Exploring College Students' Attitudes towards Female Lecturers' Competence in Teacher Education Colleges in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Attitudes towards women are often as a result of internalized gender norms that result in gender stereotypes. The present study sought to establish college students' attitudes towards female lecturers' competence in selected teachers colleges in Zimbabwe. The study followed a descriptive survey design which utilized quantitative approaches. A stratified random sample of college students selected from the three teacher training colleges in Masvingo province participated in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Ordinary percentage computations were used to analyse the quantitative data. The study found that college students largely had positive attitudes towards female lecturers. The study concludes that college students' attitudes towards female lecturers did not reflect much gender biases. Recommendations were made that affirmative action policies be enhanced in a bid to promote gender equity of lecturers to positions of leadership and that more females be considered for positions as lecturers and administrators. This is essential since both male and female lecturers were of equal capability.