DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2015.v03i06.011

Pages: 1156-1163

Attempts to address gender disparities in different spheres of life have taken centre stage for many decades now. We find examples of such concern in the number of declarations and gender conferences that have been held since the declaration of the International Women’s year in 1975. Since then there have been several conferences to address the issues of gender inequality in politics, business, economics and education among other spheres of life. At the same time, feminist movements have advocated for policies that are gender sensitive globally. Such advocacy has contributed to policy changes in several governments. Despite all these efforts, the challenges of gender inequality and inequity continue to be experienced globally. There are many factors that continue to inhibit the advancement of women in different fields including education. The study sought to examine the factors that inhibit female participation in sports administration at secondary school level in Goromonzi district of Zimbabwe. The study used the qualitative research methodology and the case study design. Data was collected through the use of open-ended questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Data was collected from ten secondary schools that were purposively selected. Five teachers were selected from each of the ten secondary schools. Data collected from the teachers was qualitatively analyzed based on the themes that emerged from the responses. The study identified the major factors that inhibit female participation in sport administration at secondary school as gender-stereotype, cultural barriers, and personal attitude. The study recommends that schools be encouraged to hold regular in-service training workshops on various sporting disciplines and that there is need for gender workshops that target both men and women.