Navigating Obstacles: Challenges Faced by Women K-12 School Leaders in China

Abstract

The chapter introduces the women status around the world, while focusing on women status in China and the problems of under-representativeness of women school leaders in the country. Women school leaders' profile in China has been illustrated in the unique oriental context. It also elaborates four levels of obstacles for women principals, which include personal, organizational, societal and cultural levels. In order to navigate those barriers, six strategies have been proposed including the issue of legislation and policy to change the social and cultural context, the creation of school climate embracing diversity and inclusion, proper appointment and evaluation, proper provision of professional training, their personal efforts to breakthrough gender stereotypes and utilization of technology to empower women school leaders. It is expected that the clarification of barriers for women school leaders and strategies could contribute to the achievement of gender parity in the country with a large population of women, while providing inspirations to women around the world.