VOICE AND GENDER INEQUALITY IN NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITIES

New Zealand universities exhibit a typical gender hierarchy with women predominating in lower status and less well-paid roles. This is despite the fact universities are governed by regulations prohibiting discrimination. Literature on gender inequality in universities suggests that the causes for this are structural and systemic. Voice mechanisms, such as ensuring there are women on decision making committees, may improve gender equality and thus compliance with the law. However, this article draws on organisational and other literature to argue that the benefits of this are limited; women do not all 'speak with one voice' and the experience of gender may divide women as much as it unites them. There are also risks for individual women who speak out regarding gender inequality which may result in them choosing to remain silent. It is concluded that those seeking to design effective voice mechanisms as well as universities seeking to comply with their legal obligations should be sensitive to the limitations of voice.