Promotion Policies and Gender Inequality: A Review of Senior Academic Positions in a Semi-metropolitan University Based in the Limpopo Province of South Africa

This paper examines the intricate relationship between sustainable development, policy formulation, and legal instruments that address gender disparities regarding promotions within institutions of higher learning around the world, and South Africa in particular. Promotion criteria in these institutions are also looked at to ascertain whether they are progressive or not. A qualitative analysis was used to measure the genderedness of the promotion criteria at a particular institution of higher learning in the northern part of South Africa called Limpopo. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling was used to select twenty female academics. Findings from the study reveal that most of the female academics were aware of the requirement of the promotion criteria and that it was applied in the same manner for both males and females. The findings consider that women also have dissimilar needs, interests, and responsibilities that may impinge on their studies. Furthermore, there are academics who are frustrated with being in one position and not progressing because they are unable to handle tasks that would disturb them from taking care of their household duties. The paper further recommends that promotion policies should also consider the peculiar circumstances of women when gender mainstreaming is embarked upon regarding promotions.