The metaphors of the ivory tower and ivory basement are used in this chapter to reflect how many women understand and experience the academy. The ivory tower signifies a place that is protected, a place of privilege and authority and a place removed from the outside world (and consequently the rigours of the market place). The ivory tower, by implication, is populated with dedicated intellectuals; yet, it is intensely segregated. Women are virtual strangers. Their entry is concurrently strictly controlled and tolerated. In terms of university governance, management and leadership, the ivory tower is predominantly occupied by men as this chapter will show. The argument is that women who occupy senior positions are in the ivory basement of leadership and usually positioned in the less prestigious rungs. This chapter shifts the lens to offer a view of the profoundly gendered nature of higher education and academic work. [For complete volume, see ED540860.]