There seems to be gender inequality in the leadership of Ekiti State Civil Service against female civil servants. This appears to adversely affect their performance on the job. The study examined the impact of gender inequality in leadership of the civil service on the job performance of female officials in Ekiti State. The study also, investigated the level of gender inequality in leadership andits causes in the civil service of Ekiti State. The study adopted the survey research design using questionnaire as a tool to collect data. One hundred and sixty (160) copies of questionnaire were administered and retrieved for analysis. The scores were collated and analysed using SPSS statistical technique, frequency distribution table with counts and percentages. The equity theory of job satisfaction was employed for the theoretical orientation of the study. The study establishedthe existence of gender inequality in the leadership of Ekiti State Civil Service and identified the stereotypical beliefs and prejudices responsible for discrimination against women in occupying leadership positions. The study equally discovered that the impact of preference for male leadership on the performance of female officials was very high in Ekiti State. The study therefore recommended that a proactive action on the part of government would go a long way in addressingthe deep rooted inequality in the leadership of Ekiti State Civil Service in order to enhance higher performance and productivity of female officials and the entire workforce.

Keywords : Gender inequality, leadership, civil service, job performance, female officials.