4. Be physically fit to perform the task and meet the age requirements as stipulated by law. 5. Be included in the leadership pipeline of the relevant leadership or managerial positions. 6. Have leadership experience and have successfully completed the tasks and duties of the leadership position at directly subordinate level or equivalent.31 The following diagram indicates the sequential steps in the pipeline to senior leadership in a ministry or equivalent body.: Appointment as Minister Leadership pipeline for appointment as Minister Appointment as Vice Minister Leadership pipeline for appointment as Vice-Minister Appointment as Director of Deparment Leadership pipeline for Director of Deparment Appointment as Deputy Director of Deparment Leadership pipeline for Deputy Director of Department Appointment as Head of Division Leadership pipeline for Head of Division Appointment as Deputy Head of Division Leadership pipeline for Deputy Head of Division
3.7.2 Gender barriers to women’s appointment to leadership positions As with all other stages of the employment pyramid, the process and criteria for leadership appointment have profound gender implications. Both the nature of the formal rules and the informal rules combine to make it difficult for women to be selected for these positions. •
Leadership appointment challenges for women are similar to those they face entering the leadership pipeline. Formal rules relating to retirement mean they are very often ineligible for appointment on age grounds or because they have not been able to achieve the appropriate levels of training or experience in less senior leadership positions.
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Pervasive informal gender norms, which reinforce the view that women are not suitable for leadership, also strongly influence their chances of selection. This includes the problem of garnering enough votes amongst colleagues to support their nomination, and more senior level party officials voting for their appointment.
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Many focus group participants expressed the view that lack of leadership support was a barrier to
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