Review

Global Trends in Women's Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis

Volume: 11 Number: 2 June 27, 2026

Global Trends in Women's Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study addresses a critical gap in educational leadership scholarship by conducting the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research trends on women's school leadership. By systematically analyzing 66 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1995 and 2024, this research maps the structural and thematic evolution of the field. The findings reveal a critical twelve-year publication void (1995–2007) followed by a significant scholarly surge post-2020. However, the literature remains severely fragmented and disproportionately concentrated in Western contexts (predominantly the United States, Australia, and the UK), highlighting an urgent need for cross-cultural perspectives. Thematically, scholarship has transitioned from foundational discussions on gender biases to nuanced explorations of leadership identity, roles, and educational impact. To synthesize these trends, this study proposes a holistic conceptual model illustrating the interplay between external socio-cultural pressures and internal leadership identity development. Furthermore, aligning with the strategic imperatives of the 2025 UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report, this study offers actionable, policy-driven practical implications to repair the educational leadership pipeline through systemic interventions. Ultimately, this research establishes a foundational roadmap for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to champion inclusivity and sustainable gender equity in global educational leadership.

Keywords

References

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  2. Adamu, A. Y. (2023). Barriers to women’s participation in and contribution to leadership in Ethiopian higher education. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 31(100). https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.31.7884
  3. Akbar, H., Al-Dajani, H., Ayub, N., & Adeinat, I. (2023). Women’s leadership gamut in Saudi Arabia’s higher education sector. Gender, Work and Organization, 30(5), 1649–1675. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13003
  4. Akinola, D. A., & Naidoo, P. (2024). Breaking the glass ceiling: an examination of gendered barriers in school leadership progression in South Africa. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2395342
  5. Al-Jaradat, M. K. M. (2014). Challenges facing women academic leadership in secondary schools of Irbid educational area. International Education Studies, 7(5), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v7n5p147
  6. Aldrich, A. S., & Lotito, N. J. (2020). Pandemic performance: women leaders in the Covid-19 crisis. Politics and Gender, 16(4), 960–967. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743923X20000549
  7. Alemu, A. (2024). How female principals in Ethiopia fight for gender justice: a qualitative study of their challenges and strategies. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1383942
  8. Alshdiefat, A. A. S., Lee, A., Sharif, A. A., Rana, M. Q., & Abu Ghunmi, N. A. (2024). Women in leadership of higher education: critical barriers in Jordanian universities. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2357900

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Leadership in Education

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

June 27, 2026

Submission Date

June 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 2

APA
Hidayat, E., Agus Purwanto, N., & Rahmawati, T. (2026). Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, 11(2), 328-374. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1729538
AMA
1.Hidayat E, Agus Purwanto N, Rahmawati T. Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis. REAL. 2026;11(2):328-374. doi:10.30828/real.1729538
Chicago
Hidayat, Edi, Nurtanio Agus Purwanto, and Tina Rahmawati. 2026. “Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11 (2): 328-74. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1729538.
EndNote
Hidayat E, Agus Purwanto N, Rahmawati T (June 1, 2026) Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11 2 328–374.
IEEE
[1]E. Hidayat, N. Agus Purwanto, and T. Rahmawati, “Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis”, REAL, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 328–374, June 2026, doi: 10.30828/real.1729538.
ISNAD
Hidayat, Edi - Agus Purwanto, Nurtanio - Rahmawati, Tina. “Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership 11/2 (June 1, 2026): 328-374. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1729538.
JAMA
1.Hidayat E, Agus Purwanto N, Rahmawati T. Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis. REAL. 2026;11:328–374.
MLA
Hidayat, Edi, et al. “Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis”. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, vol. 11, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 328-74, doi:10.30828/real.1729538.
Vancouver
1.Edi Hidayat, Nurtanio Agus Purwanto, Tina Rahmawati. Global Trends in Women’s Leadership in Schools: A Bibliometric Analysis. REAL. 2026 Jun. 1;11(2):328-74. doi:10.30828/real.1729538


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