Negotiating work–life boundaries: gendered organisational strategies and experiences among female educational leaders in Tanzania

Given the demanding nature of their managerial positions and life demands, women leaders frequently struggle with work–life balance (WLB). This phenomenological study explores the experiences and organisational strategies for multitasking among 10 female heads in Tanzanian secondary schools. The study revealed that female leaders are experiencing gender-based stereotypes, socio-cultural expectations and structural expectations affecting WLB. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the study demonstrated how microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem forces interact to shape women's work–life negotiations. The findings further revealed that the organisational strategies promoting WLB include a supportive organisational culture, recognition and appreciation, and flexible work arrangements. The study's findings provide novel insights into gender-sensitive leadership in the Tanzanian school context. The study contributes to a broader understanding of the value of flexible arrangements and supportive organisational structures that enable female leaders to balance their personal and professional lives. It provides context-specific insights that may inform future discussions among policymakers and school leaders on institutional practices in Tanzanian secondary schools.