Women in leadership: Interrogating associated covert and overt Paranoia

Abstract

The issue of gender and leadership, especially of women in leadership, has undoubtedly remained a crucial subject matter of discussion in contemporary politics and leadership not only in Africa, but globally too. Scholars have made several attempts to express their different shades of opinions regarding the issue based on their individual consciousness and understanding of the issue as the case may be. This has thus given rise to the prevailing scale of mixed feelings that always surround discussions about the issue; thus entrenching a strong feeling of paranoia about it. Through qualitative research approach, explored through observation and analytical literature review, and further anchored on the Functional Leadership Theory, the paper interrogates the covert and overt manifestations of the feeling of paranoia that often attend the issue of women in leadership generally. It makes a case for not only integrating women in leadership positions in every sphere of life in the society, but also in giving them a chance at the top where it really matters.

Keywords: Gender, Leadership, Male Chauvinism, Paranoia, Patriarchy, Politics, Women