A Woman’s Place: Women of Colour Navigating Doctoral Education in South Africa (pp. 15-35)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of women of colour in South African doctoral education programmes. Through qualitative interviews with African, Indian, and Coloured female doctoral students, this study illuminates the challenges women of colour doctoral students face in progressing through doctoral education in South Africa, and the supports they utilize to help them persist and complete doctoral degrees. Findings are organized around four themes: (1) challenging race and gender stereotypes and expectations; (2) balancing multiple roles; (3) managing financial concerns and access to resources; and (4) finding support and encouragement. This study holds implications for how institutions of higher education can help support female students of colour in navigating their programmes.