In 1999, only three large public companies were headed by women. While that number has since increased—women now hold approximately 32% of senior-level positions globally—there remains considerable room for progress, especially given that women make up 41% of the global workforce. 

This isn’t to say that women aren’t breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Take Fortune 500 companies, for example. Though historical leadership in these elite businesses was overwhelmingly male, Fortune 500 companies have seen steady growth in female representation, with women holding 10.4% of their leadership positions as of 2023. 

So, where do women stand today in leadership, from C-suite roles to entrepreneurial ventures? In this article, we’ll examine the challenges women often face on their path to leadership and explore strategies for overcoming these obstacles, empowering them to rise to the top. 

Challenges Women in Leadership Face 

While women have made great strides in workplace equity, they still face unique challenges in securing leadership roles. These hurdles often come from biases, social expectations, and systemic barriers that can make the journey more difficult. 

Unconscious Gender Biases 

Unconscious gender biases are stereotypes people hold about others based on their gender. These biases are often subliminal, shaped by cultural and societal norms that influence how we see the world—including our workplaces. 

Common gender biases women experience in the workplace include: 

  • Stereotypes 
    Women in leadership roles sometimes face unfair assumptions about their abilities or decision-making. For example, when a female leader makes a strong decision in a high-pressure situation, some might question whether her choice was driven by emotions rather than logic. These stereotypes can cause people to doubt her leadership, even when her decisions are carefully thought out and support the goals of the organization. 
  • Double standards 
    In some workplaces, women in leadership positions may elicit different reactions than their male counterparts. For instance, employees may be more likely to openly challenge an email from a female supervisor than they would one from a male in the same position. This may stem from unconscious biases, where assertive or decisive women are judged more harshly than men exhibiting the same traits. These double standards can make leadership roles even harder for women to navigate. 

Finding the Work-Life Balance 

Achieving a work-life balance can be a challenge for anyone, but for women, it can be especially daunting due to societal expectations and additional responsibilities at home. Here are two key factors that contribute to this complexity: 

Caregiving Expectations 

Studies show that up to 81% of caregivers for both children and elderly family members are women. This caregiving burden stems from traditional societal norms that associate women with nurturing roles. For women striving to excel in leadership positions, managing these responsibilities alongside demanding professional roles can be overwhelming. The result is often a delicate juggling act that can make it difficult to progress in one’s professional and personal life. 

Cultural Variations 

Work-life balance challenges also vary significantly across cultures due to differences in societal norms, workplace policies, and government support systems. For instance, countries like Sweden provide extensive parental leave—up to 480 days shared between parents—making it easier for women to balance leadership roles and parenting responsibilities. 

In contrast, countries with limited parental leave or minimal government support often place a heavier burden on women, who are frequently expected to manage a heavy share of household and caregiving duties. These contrasts highlight the critical need for equitable policies and support systems to create a more equal playing field for women in leadership. 

Strategies for Overcoming Leadership Challenges 

While it’s true that women face challenges as they work toward leadership roles, there are clear steps they can take to keep growing and moving forward in their careers. 

Build Support Networks 

Having a strong group of mentors, friends, and colleagues is important for anyone in leadership, but it’s especially helpful for women. This network can offer advice, feedback, and encouragement to help overcome challenges. Networking also provides a chance for women to share their own experiences and strategies, creating a sense of solidarity and helping them feel less alone when facing tough situations at work. 

Advocate for Policy Change 

Once women have reached leadership positions, they have the power to push for positive changes in the workplace. This can include advocating for better policies like paid maternity leave or more flexible working hours. By working to improve the system, they can help make the workplace more equal for everyone. 

Continuing Education and Professional Development 

Staying consistent with your education is a key way to stay competitive in any field. According to a recent McKinsey “Women in the Workplace” report, women often face barriers like limited access to career development programs. 

By seeking out professional development opportunities like leadership workshops, certifications, or online courses, women can strengthen their expertise and stand out in their fields. Another option is advanced education, like online graduate programs or industry-specific certifications. These credentials help bridge gaps caused by unconscious biases or fewer opportunities in the workplace. They also equip women with the tools they need to confidently pursue leadership roles—and succeed—despite the challenges they may face. 

Shape Your Future to Your Liking 

Whether you’re just starting out in business or aiming to take your career to the next level as a future C-suite executive, The University of Texas Permian Basin is here to support you every step of the way. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management gives you the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a variety of industries while building a strong foundation in leadership. 

For experienced professionals, our online MBA program offers advanced training to help you achieve your leadership goals and stay competitive in today’s business world. Both programs feature affordable tuition and are delivered 100% online, so you can balance work, life, and education with ease. 

Take control of your future. Apply today! 
 

Sources: 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisalindahl/2024/02/05/is-this-the-age-of-women-in-leadership/
https://awlonline.co.uk/leading-by-the-numbers-vital-stats-on-women-in-leadership/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4804270/
https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1130&intPageId=4808&langId=en#:~:text=Parental%20benefit%20is%20money%20you,granted%20for%20each%20additional%20child.
https://www.cyprus-ceo.com/68724/women-in-the-workplace-2024-the-10th-anniversary-report/