Professor Joyce Muhenge Olenja: Spreading the Wings Abroad. In Amutabi, M.N., Akuno, E. A. Ojwang, H. J. and Fleuss D. (Eds.), African Women and Intellectual Leadership Life Stories from Western Kenya

Abstract

While the number of women with high levels of education and in higher positions continues to rise in sub-Saharan Africa, the academic and career development and leadership of women have not been without challenges, especially in male-dominated sciences. Although education matters in the empowerment of women and their contribution to development cannot be underrated (United Nations, 2010), the social environment remains a challenge to women's advancement in education, resulting in poor representation of women in the highest levels of positions. Social norms and negative cultures continue to work against women's advancement in education and empowerment. Women in leadership contest societal, cultural, and structural barriers. False dichotomies imbued in organizational barriers, gender-based stereotypes, sexual harassment, and disruptions of family life restrict their hiring and promotion (Titi Amayah and Haque, 2017; Slaughter, 2012; Timmers et al., 2010; Holmstrom, 1990). Such environments motivate women to settle for middle-level careers (Budhwar et al., 2005). However, some women have defied the odds to advance to the highest levels of education and leadership. Professor Joyce Olenja (hereafter Joyce) is one of them. This chapter examines how she navigated the field.