GENDER AND LEADERSHIP: BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

Abstract

Women make up a large part of the global workforce, but their representation in management still falls behind that of men, especially in senior positions. Recent global reports show that women hold only about one-third of leadership roles, and progress has slowed in many areas (Grant Thornton, 2024). This paper looks at the barriers hindering women's advancement in managerial roles and the opportunities and supportive policies that can enhance their leadership paths. By reviewing research published between 2015 and 2025 and recent international statistics, the paper identifies common patterns in the experiences of women in management. These patterns include structural challenges like limited access to promotion pathways, cultural stereotypes about leadership, and personal factors influenced by social expectations. Meanwhile, recent studies suggest that organizations with diverse leadership—especially those with gender-diverse teams—benefit from improved innovation, better decision-making, and stronger employee engagement (Del Mar Fuentes-Fuentes et al., 2023). The paper argues that, while progress is noticeable, many organizations still focus on changing women’s behavior instead of addressing biases within systems. Lasting improvement requires redesigning structures, evaluation processes, and cultural expectations. The study provides practical suggestions for organizations, educators, and policymakers and proposes future research directions that reflect the differences across industries and countries.