An interaction of patriarchy and female leadership: A synthesis of literature on women leadership in Eswatini

This paper presents results of a systematic research synthesis of 23 studies on female leadership in Eswatini. The review aimed to present conclusions drawn from synthesising findings from studies on women's participation in leadership in Eswatini. Systematic methods were used in the review to identify the 23 research studies focusing on female leadership across sectors in Eswatini. Since the reviewed studies were qualitative, research synthesis methods were used, and three main themes were identified across the excavated studies. The three main themes are: (1) gender inequality, (2) challenges for women leadership, and (3) women empowerment. Sub-themes relating to the main themes also emerged. Challenges highlighted were categorised into two: those inhibiting access to leadership for women, and those affecting women who are already in leadership. Forms of women empowerment discussed in the studies are: in-service training, networking and mentoring. The analysis contributed to knowledge on female leadership in Eswatini by highlighting contributions and limitations of these studies, and further provides a base for future conceptual analysis.