IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 10 NO. 11 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.v10.no11.2024.pg.300.315

---

Women Advancement and Prospects of Leadership in Pengassan, Port Harcourt Zone, Nigeria

Emmanuel Sunny Azubuike

---

Abstract

This study investigates the leadership pattern of women in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Port Harcourt District, and examines how women can venture into and thrive in leadership positions. The research adopts a survey design, employing both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from journals, reports, publications, and other relevant sources. A sample of 278 respondents, comprising male and female employees, was selected using the Taro Yamane formula from a population of 909 staff members. Simple random sampling was employed to ensure equal representation across different departments. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and key leadership-related questions. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were used to analyze the data, while t-tests were applied to test the study’s hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that women in PENGASSAN hold significant leadership positions and contribute positively to decision-making and team collaboration. However, there are gaps in terms of the respect and recognition they receive compared to their male counterparts, and in their proactivity in mentoring younger staff. Additionally, both male and female respondents generally agreed that mentorship and networking are crucial for women's success in leadership. The t-test results showed no significant difference between male and female perceptions regarding the leadership patterns of women and the challenges they face in ascending leadership positions. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing mentorship programs, providing more leadership development opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive leadership environment for women in PENGASSAN.

keywords:

Leadership, Women, PENGASSAN & Port Harcourt District

---

References:

Adeola, A., & Fapohunda, T. (2018). Recognition of women’s strategic decision-making

capabilities in Nigerian organizations.
Afolabi, A., & Adebayo, S. (2016). The role of professional networks and role models in

fostering women’s leadership development in Nigeria.
Afolabi, A., & Oke, M. (2017). Gendered leadership styles in Nigerian organizations.
Agbalajobi, D. T. (2010). Women’s participation and the political process in Nigeria: Problems

and prospects. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 4(2),

075-
Aina, I. O. (1993). Women, culture, and society: The African experience. Journal of Gender

Studies, 1(1), 15-27.
Akinyele, T., & Olagunju, O. (2019). Women in leadership: Fostering teamwork and

inclusivity in Nigerian organizations.
Asaju, K., & Adagba, S. (2013). Women’s political participation in Nigeria: A study of gender

inequality. International Journal of Peace and Development Studies, 4(5), 99-110.
Catalyst. (2012). Women CEOs of the Fortune 500. Catalyst Inc. Retrieved from

https://www.catalyst.org
Center for American Women and Politics. (2012). Fact Sheet: Women in the U.S. Congress
Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University.
European Union. (2012). Women and men in leadership positions in the European Union,
European Union Report. Retrieved from https://eige.europa.eu
Ifeanyi, C., & Eze, P. (2022). The importance of mentorship, networking, and role models in

women's leadership success.
Inter-Parliamentary Union. (2012). Women in national parliaments. Retrieved from

http://www.ipu.org/wmn-e/world.htm
Locke, J. (1632-1704). Some Thoughts Concerning Education.
Luka, R. C. (2012). Women and political participation in Nigeria: The imperatives of

empowerment. Journal of Social Science and Public Policy, 4(1), 87-97.
Maseko, L. (2013). The impact of gender roles and the double burden of women in

administrative
positions. Journal of African Leadership Studies, 5(2), 45-60.
Mill, H. T. (1807-1858). Essays on Sex Equality.
Mill, J. S. (1806-1873). The Subjection of Women.



Mma, S. (2010). The role of women in leadership in Nigeria. International Journal of

Leadership Studies, 7(2), 34-49.
National Bureau of Statistics. (2014). Labour force statistics: Employment by sector report Q2
Nigeria Bureau of Statistics.
Nwagbara, U. (2021). Cultural and structural barriers to gender equality in leadership roles

in Nigeria.
Nzekwe, G. (2011). Women in political leadership in Nigeria. Journal of Political Science and

International Relations, 2(4), 106-115.
Okeke, M., & Obasi, A. (2020). Mentorship programs and women's leadership development

in Nigeria.
Okoronkwo, C. (2001). Women and the challenge of leadership in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal

of Gender Studies, 5(3), 28-37.
Okoronkwo, C. (2013). The role of women in governance in Nigeria. Journal of Development

Studies, 10(2), 59-71.
Onyechi, E., & Nnadi, B. (2020). Barriers to women's leadership in Nigeria: Societal

expectations and workplace dynamics.
Oranusi, O. (2009). The impact of education on women's leadership roles in Nigeria. African

Journal of Social Sciences, 3(1), 72-84.
Osuji, F., & Chukwu, O. (2019). Leadership effectiveness in Nigeria: The role of skills and

competencies over gender.
Rousseau, J.-J. (1712-1778). Emile, or On Education.
SADC Gender Protocol. (2010). Barometer: Women in decision-making in Southern Africa.

Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Report.
Samuel, J., & Segun, A. (2012). Women participation in politics: Challenges and prospects in

Nigeria. Journal of Gender and Politics, 3(4), 44-59.
Siemienska, R. (2004). Gender and power: Women's position in decision-making in Poland.

European Societies, 6(2), 147-168.
Talousema, K. (2013). Balancing career and family: Challenges facing women in leadership.

International Journal of Leadership Studies, 8(1), 34-51.
U.S. Bureau of Statistics. (2011). Women in the workforce: A databook. U.S. Bureau of Labor

Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov
Wollstonecraft, M. (1759-1797). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back