Female Principals' Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 in Rural Primary Schools in South Africa

Schools are facing intricate challenges since the emergence of COVID-19 and the pressure on women principals in rural schools is massive and cannot be ignored. This study sought to explore the female principals' insights on the impact of COVID-19 in rural primary schools. The study was qualitative research using an interpretive phenomenology design. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from women principals of public rural primary schools. The study revealed that teamwork tends to be more effective in leading schools during the time of crisis. The women principals were able to use the expertise and experience of other teachers in their schools to run the schools with the aid of teamwork. During the COVID-19 pandemic, coming up with innovative approaches and sharing roles with other colleagues proved to be a successful way for women principals to lead their schools. It was discovered that leading during crisis, such as the COVID-19, necessitates the use of empathy. Assertiveness aided the women principals in enforcing conformity to the COVID-19 protocols by advising, supervising, and implementing the employer's directives. This study recommended that the provincial education departments review their policies to accommodate the exhibition of potentialities of successful women principals annually and make the public aware of the skills and expertise that are distinctive to women leaders. Further research should examine women principals' support programmes have evolved and are enacted over time.