Women in University Management: Career and Perception Obstacles in Professional Ascension

The present study sought to analyze the insertion of women in management positions in a federal institution of higher education, and the perception of these managers about barriers and inequalities faced for professional advancement at the university. As for the methodological procedures, the research is qualitative and used semi-structured interviews as collection primary data strategy, and secondary data were identified to examine the analyzed institution staff. The research participants were 13 civil servants who occupy management positions, eight teachers, and five administrative technicians. There is no parity in the management positions at the institution especially at the highest levels, fact that characterizes the existence of the glass ceiling effect. It was noted that the interviewees' rise to management positions links to the experience, performance, and training of the interviewees. There is evidence of gender discrimination in the examined IFES because even women who, at first, denied prejudice (approximately half of the sample) reported facts experienced in the institution characterized as gender discriminatory attitudes. The male relationship networks and the perception based on female stereotypes that men have of women were pointed out by the interviewees as reasons for them to be overlooked in the choice processes to occupy management positions.