ISSN: 2167-0420
Basu Prasad Subedi*
Stress is a complex and multifaceted term with a multitude of interpretations depending on the context. There are various dimensions of stress like physiological, psychological, and social. The relationship between stress and women's health is complex and multifaceted. Women often face unique stressors due to societal expectations, gender roles, and biological factors, making them vulnerable to various health consequences. The purpose of this paper is to unfold the perceived stress of female school leaders in Nepal. A qualitative study design was applied using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected from eleven female school leaders from various parts of the country capturing recently retired from the headship, highly experienced and newly appointed school leaders. The virtual interview was conducted using open-ended guiding questions. Obtained data was transcribed, coded, and categorized and nine different themes were generated to interpret them. From the study, it was found that female school head teachers have been perceived stress from time scarcity, poor resources in the school, low teacher motivation, a fragile team in the school, political interference, patriarchal structures of the society, difficulty in managing their homeostasis and unmanaged school administration. By acknowledging its impact, adopting effective management strategies, and fostering a supportive environment, we can empower these women to reach their full potential and contribute even more to the advancement of education in Nepal.