Gendered Experiences of Workplace Discrimination: A Qualitative Analysis of Women in Leadership Positions
Keywords:
Women in leadership, Workplace discrimination, Gender stereotypes, Organizational culture, Professional development, Coping strategiesAbstract
Objective: This study aims to explore the gendered experiences of workplace discrimination among women in leadership positions, identifying the challenges they face, the impact on their professional development, and the strategies they employ to navigate these obstacles. It seeks to contribute to the understanding of how organizational cultures can either exacerbate or mitigate gender discrimination and the implications for women's leadership trajectories.
Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 23 women in leadership roles across various industries. Participants were purposively selected to ensure a diverse representation of experiences. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to workplace discrimination and its impact on women leaders.
Findings: Five main themes were identified: Perceptions of Discrimination, Impact on Professional Development, Coping Strategies, Perceptions of Organizational Culture, and Personal Impact and Reflections. Women leaders reported experiences of overt and subtle discrimination, highlighting gender stereotypes and intersectional challenges. The impact on professional development was significant, affecting career progression, professional relationships, and skill development. Coping strategies varied, including personal resilience mechanisms, seeking supportive networks, and strategic organizational navigation. Perceptions of organizational culture revealed mixed support for gender equity, with a call for more genuine implementation of diversity policies. The personal impact of discrimination was profound, influencing emotional well-being, career satisfaction, and perspectives on gender equity.
Conclusion: The study underscores the complex, multifaceted nature of gendered workplace discrimination against women in leadership, pointing to the need for systemic changes within organizations to foster inclusive environments. It highlights the resilience of women leaders and the importance of supportive networks and policies in facilitating their leadership journey.
Downloads
References
Acharya, M. (2024). Affiliative Leadership Styles of Female Headteachers in Public High Schools in Nepal. Interdis. Iss. Educ., 2(2), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.3126/iie.v2i2.71763
Baş, T., Özbilgin, M. F., Erbil, C., & Samdanis, M. (2024). When Atypical Leaders Fail to Deliver Allyship for Diversity: The Case of an Unregulated Neoliberal National Context. Leadership, 20(6), 358-381. https://doi.org/10.1177/17427150241286145
Chen, C., Lai, I. K. W., & Kuang, T. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Female Leadership in Business (2014–2023). Sage Open, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251340140
Dlamini, Y. K., Mncube, D. W., Mkhasibe, R. G., & Kutame, A. P. (2024). Women’s Educational Leadership Experiences: Career Advancement in the Lubombo Region of Eswatini. Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research, 6, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2024.vol6.09
Haines, A. C., & McKeown, E. (2023). Exploring Perceived Barriers for Advancement to Leadership Positions in Healthcare: A Thematic Synthesis of Women's Experiences. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 37(3), 360-378. https://doi.org/10.1108/jhom-02-2022-0053
Hussain, S., Soni, G., Harkison, T., & DeMicco, F. J. (2024). Workplace Experiences and Career Advancement Prospects for Women in the Hotel Industry in India. Turyzm/Tourism, 34(1), 7-21. https://doi.org/10.18778/0867-5856.34.1.01
Inayat, S., Younas, A., & Ali, P. (2024). “Patriarchy Permeating Health Policymaking”: Influence of Gender on Involvement in Health Policymaking From Nurse Leaders' Perspective. World Medical & Health Policy, 16(4), 677-691. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.631
Jadnanansing, M. S., DiPietro, R. B., & Droog, M. D. (2023). Perceptions and Implications Of implicit Gender Bias in the Hotel Sector in Aruba. International Hospitality Review, 38(2), 258-276. https://doi.org/10.1108/ihr-11-2022-0057
Joseph, J., & Vijayan, D. (2023). Glass Ceiling Effect Among Women in Leadership Position in Hospitals. Pijr, 72-75. https://doi.org/10.36106/paripex/1607986
Kalumba, M., Daka, H., Kalimaposo, K., Phiri, C., Mulenga-Hagane, L. M., & Mugala, A. (2023). Navigation Strategies by Women Into Decision-Making Positions in the Ministry of Education, Zambia. European Journal of Development Studies, 3(3), 147-155. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejdevelop.2023.3.3.276
Kea-Edwards, A., Diaz, J. B. B., & Reichard, R. J. (2023). Development or Discrimination: Black Women Leaders’ Experience With Multisource Feedback. Consulting Psychology Journal Practice and Research, 75(1), 68-93. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpb0000215
Khosa, D. (2023). Gender Equality or Inequality in Learning Institutions in South Africa: A Case of the Professional Advancement of Women. E-Journal of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, 1424-1439. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234132
Koburtay, T., Abualigah, A., Syed, J., & Ali, A. J. (2023). Misconceptions and Misunderstandings: An Exploration of the Interplay of Religion, Culture and Gender From Muslim Scholars and Clerics. Career Development International, 28(6/7), 649-665. https://doi.org/10.1108/cdi-03-2023-0082
Makamure, G. (2025). Exploring the Cultural Dynamics on Gendered Leadership in Eswatini’s Tertiary Institutions. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7138195/v1
Markwei, U., Attiogbe, E. J. K., Antwi, A. A., & Boafo, G. K. (2023). Women in Uniform Breaking the Glass Ceiling? An Exploratory Study of Female Officers in Leadership Positions in Ghana’s Security Services. Gender in Management an International Journal, 38(8), 1191-1205. https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-02-2022-0048
Mathetha, K. N., & Dhanpat, N. (2025). A View From the Top: How South African Women Leaders Shatter the Glass Ceiling. Frontiers in Sociology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1601448
Moraka, N. V. (2024). Mining Corporate Boardrooms Still a Male Club? Experiences and Challenges Faced by South African Women. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 124(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2789/2024
Odei-Tettey, K., Ayivor, A. E. A., & Dodzi, E. (2023a). Intersectionality Theory and Leadership Futures: Policy Pathways Toward Reinventing Gender Spaces for Educational Leadership in Two Male Schools in Ghana. Global Journal of Human Resource Management, 11(2), 64-95. https://doi.org/10.37745/gjhrm.2013/vol11n26495
Odei-Tettey, K., Ayivor, A. E. A., & Dodzi, E. (2023b). Mudling Through Intersectionality Theory for Leadership Futures: Pathways Toward Policies for Reinventing Gender Spaces for Educational Leadership in Two Male Schools in Ghana. British Journal of Education, 11(7), 28-60. https://doi.org/10.37745/bje.2013/vol11n72860
Smith, A. L., Haque, M. A., & Amayah, A. T. (2024). The Lived Experiences of Women Leaders in Nonprofit Organizations. Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 26(5). https://doi.org/10.33423/jabe.v26i5.7378
Sojo, V., Wheeler, M., & Ryan, M. K. (2023). Accelerating Gender and Sexuality Inclusion in Organisations: Introduction to the Special Issue and Academic Agenda. Australian Journal of Management, 48(4), 683-692. https://doi.org/10.1177/03128962231181427
