Why Are Women Stalled in Mid-Management, Missing the CEO Track? Alarming Barriers Holding Them Back – Times of India

In the 21st century, the hullabaloo about women empowerment is nothing short of a spectacle, with slogans flying around like confetti at a parade. However, the battle against patriarchy, misogyny, and age-old stereotypes is alive and well. Women are still striving to carve out safe and empowering spaces for themselves while ensuring their voices echo in every corner of society.In this context, the underrepresentation of women in workplaces, especially in leadership roles is a disheartening but not-so-surprising trend. A recent report, India’s Best Workplaces for Women (2024), reveals an astonishing 11% gap between women in mid-level management and those lucky enough to reach CEO positions.
Women are foundational to many workforces, driving transformative change within organizations; however, their representation at C-suite levels remains critically low. While trailblazers like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon and a leader in the Indian biotechnology sector, and Indra Nooyi, the former CEO, and chairperson of PepsiCo, have made remarkable strides, such role models are still few and far between. Apparently, the systemic barriers holding back progress are still firmly in place, proving that the glass ceiling remains stubbornly intact.
According to the World Economic Forum, achieving gender equality in economic participation could take an alarming 131 years. Furthermore, the McKinsey & Company Women in the Workplace 2024 report suggests that an additional 50 years may be required for women to attain parity in leadership roles. As we strive to create an equitable environment for our female counterparts, it becomes increasingly clear that workplaces are drenched with significant disparities in women’s representation.

India’s Best Workplaces for Women (2024): Interesting Insights From the Report

The report has been issued by Great Place to Work, an international leader in workplace culture dedicated to assisting organizations in fostering a positive experience for their employees. It highlights crucial factors about the representation of women in the workplaces. Here is a peek into

6 culprits behind low female representation in leadership roles

What are the roadblocks in the journey of women that halt their progress to senior positions? Lack of mentorship and sponsorship opportunities hinders their advancement, while workplace cultures that prioritize rigid schedules and inadequate support systems further discourage their aspirations. Additionally, systemic biases and stereotypes about gender roles often lead to women’s contributions being overlooked, limiting their access to leadership development programs and influential networks. Here is a deep dive into the factors holding women back in their career track.
Lack of Flexibility Options
Flexible work arrangements are crucial for supporting employees’ diverse needs, particularly for women who often juggle multiple responsibilities, including caregiving and household duties. Many organizations maintain rigid schedules that do not accommodate these needs, making it challenging for women to advance while managing their personal responsibilities.
Absence of Equal Opportunities
The lack of equal opportunities in promotions and leadership development can create significant disparities in career advancement for women. This barrier is often rooted in unequal access to training, development programs, and high-visibility projects, which are crucial for acquiring the skills and experience needed for leadership roles.
Women frequently miss out on these opportunities due to systemic biases and may feel undervalued, leading to decreased motivation and engagement. Over time, this can result in a lack of representation in leadership positions, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
Work-Life Balance Issues
Achieving a satisfactory work-life balance is a persistent challenge for many women, particularly in demanding corporate environments. The pressure to perform at high levels professionally while fulfilling family responsibilities can create significant strain. When organizations do not provide supportive policies for work-life balance, women may feel compelled to scale back their ambitions or leave the workforce altogether. This can hinder their professional growth and reduce the overall diversity of leadership teams.
Prevailing Stereotypes
Gender stereotypes play a substantial role in shaping perceptions of women in the workplace. These stereotypes often depict women as less competent or less committed to their careers, which can influence decision-makers’ biases against promoting them to leadership positions.
Such stereotypes not only undermine women’s confidence but also lead to their contributions being overlooked in favour of their male counterparts. This can result in a lack of representation in leadership discussions and decisions, further entrenching existing biases.
Not having a role model to look up to
The absence of female role models in leadership positions can significantly impact women’s aspirations to reach similar heights. Without visible examples of successful women leaders, many women may struggle to envision themselves in these roles.
Lack of focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Programmes
One significant barrier for women aspiring to high positions is the insufficient emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations. The Women in Leadership Statistics: Insights for Inclusion report by DDI highlights that many companies have scaled back their DEI efforts, resulting in a decline in mentorship and sponsorship opportunities essential for women’s career advancement. This lack of support not only hinders women’s professional growth but also perpetuates systemic biases in talent identification and selection processes, often causing qualified women to be overlooked for leadership roles. Consequently, without dedicated strategies to address these challenges, women’s representation in leadership positions is unlikely to improve.

Leadership development programmes can alter the scenario: Here’s how

The statistic that only 11% of female CEOs come from mid-level management underscores the need for organizations to rethink how they nurture female talent. Leadership development programs can be instrumental in closing this gap by implementing key strategies. Tailored training that focuses on skills like negotiation, conflict resolution, and assertive communication can help women overcome workplace challenges and build confidence. Formal mentorship and sponsorship opportunities connect aspiring female leaders with experienced executives, offering valuable guidance and increasing visibility. Additionally, flexible work arrangements that accommodate family responsibilities are essential for retaining female talent and fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment where women can thrive and progress into leadership roles.