Abstract
This phenomenology study aimed to explore and understand the lived experiences of a female student leaders. Using purposive sampling, the participating 14 female student leaders from different public schools were identified. All of them are participated in the in-depth interviews. Results revealed the experiences of the participants: encountering challenges in managing the behavior of the students, experiencing self-doubt as student leader, struggling with balancing responsibilities as a student and student-leader, engendering sense of pride to take on the role of a student-leader, and navigating different perspectives as a student-leader creates uncertainty. In response to the challenges they have encountered, they deemed the following coping strategies essential: nurturing patience while dealing challenges in a leadership role, seeking support and guidance in overcoming responsibilities, managing academic performance alongside leadership duties, and choosing words carefully to prevent causing offense of others. Upon reflecting on their entire experience, they arrived at the following insights: demonstrate complete accounting in leadership duties, exude strength and confidence, enhanced leadership and communication skills, demonstrate fervent passion and commitment in leadership, and empowerment and breaking of gender stereotypes in leadership. The results of this study were anticipated to be meaningful and important to the participants, teachers, students, and researchers.
