Mentorship experiences of women leaders occupying senior positions at a South African university

Data for this study was generated through semi-structured interviews. The interviews took place virtually due to the covid-19 restrictions. All interviews were recorded and thereafter transcribed verbatim by the researcher. The interviews were then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach. The data was then coded and initial themes were generated and continuously reviewed and revised. Final themes and sub-themes were developed and data was presented under those themes. 

The data focused on the mentorship experinces of women leaders who occupied senior positions at a South Africa university. These women and some of their mentors shared how mentorship prepared them for the senior positions they occupy. In that, the women leaders shared how they understand mentorship, how mentorship prepared them for their roles, why mentoship is important for women leaders, the challenges that relate to their mentorship and how they think mentorship for women can be done better. The mentors added to this by sharing their experinces and the role they played in the lives and career development of these women leaders. 

To ensure anonymity and confidentiality, the university, faculties sampled and participants were anonymised by using pseudonyms. The university is refered to as Green University. The nine faculties sampled are referred to as Faculty A, B,C, D,E,F,G,H and I. The nine women leaders (WL) are referred to as WL1, WL2,WL3,WL4,WL5,WL6,WL7,WL8,WL9. The mentors (MT) are referred to as MT1, MT2, MT3, MT4,MT5.