WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE: A TREATISE ON ZIMBABWEAN ACADEMICS

The study examines the relationship between work-life balance and gender equality amongst academics in Zimbabwe. Although women have made progress in entering the workforce alongside men, many still face significant barriers preventing them from reaching top leadership positions, making achieving gender equality in the academic workspace seem unattainable. Although much research has been conducted on the gendered consequences of work-life balance, there is a lack of focus on this phenomenon because most of these studies are centered on industrialized countries. This study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing stratified and judgmental sampling techniques to gather data from a total of 74 respondents who were affiliated with an academic institution within a private university in Zimbabwe. Data was collected using a 10-item questionnaire on work-life balance and a 9-item questionnaire on gender equality. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The study findings suggest a direct correlation between work-life balance and gender equality. The study contributed to the discussion and conversations surrounding work-life balance in the academic community in Zimbabwe.