Abstract
The main purpose of this research is to explore causes and consequences of work-life balance challenges facing women in leadership at selected rural-based institutions of higher learning in South Africa. Although research has been conducted on work-life balance of women in leadership, there is a dearth of studies that specifically focus on rural-based institutions. The research is grounded in interpretivism, using a qualitative research approach and following a phenomenological research method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed three themes in relation to the causes of work-life balance challenges, namely, high expectations from management level, work overload from leadership responsibilities, and lack of support structure. Health and wellness issues are a broader theme that emerged from the consequences of work-life balance challenges. The study's findings contribute to the literature by recommending that top management come up with alternatives such as: amending policies to accommodate a balanced work-life; attending wellness programs; hiring more assistants; reducing NQF level requirements for leadership positions; having softwares that would enable employees to express their work-life balance; and women in leadership taking ownership of their work-life imbalance by setting boundaries and limitation to time spent on their work.