Accountability in Education : What Works? - Case Studies from Simbu : Case Study 6 - Women in Education Leadership

Overview & Synopsis

The previous case study in this series focused on the importance of meritocracy to the strength of the education system in Simbu. It noted that, with patronage systems in Papua New Guinea (PNG) almost exclusively dominated by men, nepotistic appointments and promotions frequently involve the appointment of men. Well-qualified and experienced women depend more on finding institutions with merit-based appointments and promotions, in order to secure employment and to advance. This interrelationship between gender and meritocracy is the focus of this case study. It considers the rise of women in education leadership in Simbu over the last two decades, discussing both the drivers of this change and stakeholder perspectives on its importance. Unless indicated otherwise, the quotations included are from interviews with past and present senior officials and education stakeholders in Simbu.