In the context of higher education leadership, the issue of gender inequality is an intriguing topic of study. The current gender inequality in leadership positions, particularly in higher education institutions, is an issue of concern. This study explores the experiences and perspectives of male and female leaders on gender-based leadership, focusing mainly on its impact on quality assurance development in NUUs. The methodology employed for this study was exploratory qualitative research, which involved conducting in-depth interviews with 11 university leaders and lecturers. The study's results reveal three distinct perceptions among the participants regarding gender and leadership: a perspective that accepts both genders as leaders, a preference towards male leadership, and a preference towards female leadership. Furthermore, the study identifies three primary characteristics of female leadership: participatory nature, patience combined with meticulousness and conscientiousness, and energy with a strong emphasis on deadlines. Nevertheless, this study has limitations in focusing on the leadership styles of male and female university leaders. Future studies can explore the leadership styles in other sectors and the impact of other demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, and culture.