Following a thorough review of current studies and literature on women in leadership, this document examines the results of a study conducted to determine the significance of female gender in educational leadership, and how attitudes, values, perceptions, and life experiences of women differ from those of men and are reflected in female leadership approaches and actions. Nine white female administrators at the rural district or school site level, located in the San Joaquin Valley in California, were interviewed using 10 open-ended questions derived from literature on women in leadership. The examination of the results of the study and the numerous direct quotes from the interviewees provided in this document serve to shed light on female administrators' thoughts, feelings, and perceptions regarding: (1) qualities of women in educational leadership; (2) difficulties experienced; (3) differences in the ways that they perceived women and men work; (4) issues surrounding authority; (5) leadership in instructional improvement, evaluation, student and community relations, and decision making; and (6) life experiences. The study's implications for research on women in administration and for current women administrators are also mentioned. (30 references) (CLA)