This book foregrounds the voices of women in educational leadership to draw on the power of diverse perspectives and to create an environment that better embraces a broad range of leadership styles.

Chapters explore formal and informal women's educational leadership practices and examine the methods and approaches used by successful women leaders across West Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. The book examines how best to humanize educational leadership in a way that invests in the unique skills and talents that women leaders possess, and it identifies a leadership model that is situated within a range of intersecting theoretical frameworks that revolve around collective leadership, transformation theories, and community partnerships. In doing so, the book elevates education into the sphere of comprehensiveness, inclusion, equity, sustainability, and social justice.

By sharing the lived experience of women leaders using a multi-perspective narrative approach, the book develops and hones exemplary educational leadership and community-engaged practices for the good of all. This volume will be key reading for scholars, doctoral students, and researchers engaged in fields such as education policy, women’s studies, and international and comparative education, among others.

‘Women in Educational Leadership and Community Building: Voices Across the Globe provides an outstanding collection of and valuable addition to research on women in educational leadership that expands the conversation on women leaders in countries typically underrepresented. This multicultural tapestry makes a critical yet constructive examination of the progress, successes, and challenges women leaders face as they strive for equity and justice. The authors explore women's experiences in a variety of educational leadership positions, highlighting their courage and hope for women globally. I highly recommend this important work for all scholars and practitioners to expand on and amplify the voices of women in education leadership.’

- Elizabeth C. Reilly, Chair International SIG, AERA, Professor, Educational Leadership and Administration, School of Education, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA

‘This book makes a timely and long overdue contribution to research on women and leadership. It moves beyond the 'anglosphere' where much of the research has engaged and in doing, provides a unique and fresh lens on this topic. This book is a 'must-read' for all those committed to equity and social justice in education.’

- Professor Jane Wilkinson, Monash University, Joint editor, Journal of Education Administration and History.

‘Brilliant book that is well overdue and gives voice to the many women that are still to be heard.’

- Victoria Showunmi, Associate Professor of Education, University College London.

‘The voice of women leaders in education sing out in this book. The authors explore educational leadership through the lens of underrepresented groups with a welcome inclusion of Islamic and Eastern education systems. Individual voices share how they overcome cultural and ethnic barriers. Their collective voice recognizes women leaders need to be supported and celebrated from where they stand. A glorious way to disrupt the status quo!’

- Vivienne Porritt, OBE, Co-founders and Strategic Leaders of WomenEd

Dr. Khalid Arar is a professor of educational leadership and policy, College of Education at Texas State University, Texas, USA and an associate editor of the International Journal of Leadership in Education.

Dr. Rania Sawalhi is a mother of five amazing children and adults. She earned her PhD in educational leadership from the University of Warwick, UK. Rania launched educational leadership labs and is the cofounder of WOMENEDMENA, LIFE, and many other initiatives. She currently works in the Qatar Foundation.

Dr. Rida Blaik Hourani is an associate professor. Rida Blaik Hourani earned her PhD in Education policy and management from the University of Melbourne. Rida Blaik Hourani has worked in the Middle East and Australia and researches policy, educational leadership, school reforms, educational transformation, sociology of education, and social justice.

Dr. Trista Hollweck is a pracademic who straddles the world of research, policy, and practice. She is a former teacher, vice-principal, and school district consultant and currently the director of the ARC Education Project (University of Ottawa) and co-lead of the Canadian Playful Schools Network.

Dr. Corinne Brion is an assistant professor at the University of Dayton. Her research focus is cultural proficiency, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and how culture affects women in leadership positions.