Enabling and Constraining Environments Connected with Successful Women Academics in South African Higher Educational Institutions

In the past two decades, the number of women successful in postgraduate studies has increased significantly. However, this increase has not been matched by equal representation of women in senior academic positions. Women are less represented in senior academic positions, and gender parity decreases as one rises in the academic ranks to the professoriate level. To develop an understanding of the factors influencing the career development and progression of women academics, 13 women professors and associate professors in higher education institutions in South Africa were interviewed, using a constructivist grounded theory approach. From the analysis and interpretation of the in-depth interview data, themes such as intrapsychic factors such as grit, self-efficacy, determination to succeed, and looking for opportunities to succeed emerged. Another theme was enabling and constraining environments such as upbringing and expanding horizons, family support, work-life balance, and organizational support. The results showed that women with high levels of self-efficacy, grit, and determination cannot be limited by constraining environments. The study further confirmed that women’s career progression tends to advance quickly when there is a combination of intrapsychic factors and external support. However, this chapter will focus on the enabling and constraining environments associated with the success of women academics.