An exploratory study of mentorship for black female academics : evidence from the University of the Witwatersrand

Abstract

Mentorship is an important aspect for career progression, particularly for young academics who are new to the workplace and unaccustomed to the expectations and demands of this industry. The purpose of this paper is to study the importance of mentorship in academia, particularly the impact of mentorship for African South African female academics at the University of the Witwatersrand. The data used in the report was mainly qualitative, based on in-depth interviews. The research revealed that there are several mentoring programmes being utilised throughout the university, however, it lacks a structured programme which is inclusive for all staff members. Most importantly, structured mentoring programmes are not being utilised to their full potential by the University of the Witwatersrand, particularly for ‘disenfranchised groups’ such as black women. The study revealed that at all academic levels black women apparently have similar experiences when it comes to mentorship. The results in the study indicate that mentorship programmes for African female South African academics is necessary in supporting and promoting Black females on their professional path.