Madali, Lusani Jacqueeline2024-07-192024-07-192023Madali, Lusani Jacqueeline. (2023). Factors contributing to the success of female leaders in South African Independent Power Producers [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/38974https://hdl.handle.net/10539/38974A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Energy: Leadership to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023Globally, there is a transition towards low-carbon energy sources, and countries, including South Africa, are including renewable energy power generation into their energy mix to reduce carbon emissions and meet gender mainstreaming and equality objectives. The energy sector remains one of the most minor gender-diverse sectors in the economy. Studies have indicated that there are barriers and enabling factors that contribute to the success of female leaders. The study aimed to explore and analyse factors (barriers and enablers) contributing to the success of female leaders in South African Independent Power Producers. The research adopted a generic qualitative approach using a non-random sampling technique (self-selection) followed by thematic data analysis and interpretation to derive the narrative towards the study objectives. Data was collected from nine female participants from leading renewable energy IPP companies through semi-structured interview questions undertaken via an online platform. The study's key finding was how the feminist theory came into play when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the social norms, which shifted stereotype, patriarchal and discrimination views about females. In summary, the study also indicated that contributing factors could be both negative extrinsic (generational disadvantages, unconscious bias, discrimination, patriarchy, and stereotype) and intrinsic (lack of self-confidence) and positive extrinsic (support system, mentoring and training) and intrinsic (self-confidence), which can be a barrier or an enabler towards females attaining leadership roles within the renewable energy IPPsen© 2023 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Renewable EnergyWomenLeadershipIndependent Power Producer (IPP)Gender equalityUCTDSDG-5: Gender equalityDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg