Abstract
There are growing numbers of black women occupying senior roles within academic institutions. However, reports about the marginalisation of black women within these institutions still persist. There exists a need to conduct more research to understand the experiences and positions of black female academics in South Africa. This study offers insight into how black female academics view their circumstances and the difficulties they face within higher institutions of learning. The purpose of this study was to specifically examine the experiences, challenges and future aspirations of black women in academia. I use Intersectionality and Black Feminism, as the theoretical lenses to describe how race, gender and class come together to contribute to the marginalisation of black women in academia. Through qualitative research, seven black women from different universities in Gauteng told their stories about their experiences and future aspirations within academia. Various themes emerged from the study such as being silenced and marginalised, to feelings of ‘not belonging’, insufficient mentoring, work overload, as well as the glass ceiling. Other themes spoke to the black women aspiring to stay and not leave, staying and impacting on institutional culture and decisionmaking, and to stay and mentor. Finally, I argue that institutions of higher learning are left with the task of ensuring that not only do black women stay in these institutions but that institutional cultures should change. Towards this end, institutions will benefit if more black women are recruited into senior positions. It is recommended that future studies look into conducting panel studies and longitudinal studies where more black women can raise what they have experienced over time.
M.A. (Sociology)