Lucknow, March 29 -- A recent study on women's leadership in higher education has revealed that the low presence of women in senior academic and administrative positions across the Lucknow division is not due to lack of interest, merit, or capability, but rather weak institutional pathways, limited support system and structural barriers that hinder their progression into leadership roles. Shashank Shekhar, a faculty member associated with the research, said the study focuses on the higher education landscape of the Lucknow division and offers a data-driven, policy-oriented analysis of the challenges affecting women's advancement. The research drew responses from 100 participants across central, state and private universities, government and private colleges, deemed institutions, and other higher educational institutions in the region. By combining survey data with analytical interpretation, the study examined the real barriers shaping women's leadership opportunities in higher education. "One of the most important findings is that lack of aspiration is not the issue. Seventy-four percent of respondents said they are interested in pursuing leadership or administrative roles. This clearly shows that women's low representation in leadership cannot be explained by a lack of ambition. The problem lies in weak institutional routes that should enable capable women to rise into leadership positions," Shekhar said. The study also highlights that actual representation remains weak. While 42% respondents said women hold senior leadership positions in their institutions, only 8% believed they are very adequately represented. Many respondents felt women's presence in leadership is limited or nearly absent. 52% of respondents said women do not receive equal opportunities in practice, while only 31% believed opportunities are genuinely equal. The study also identified multiple, interconnected barriers-including work-life balance, family responsibilities. "It is concerning that only 29% of respondents felt institutional governance adequately supports gender equality. Leadership training or capacity-building programmes are available to only 29%," Shekhar added....