Barriers & Bias: The Status of Women in Leadership – AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881

Barriers to Women’s Leadership

The “qualities” of a leader — as well as the path to achieve leadership roles — are still largely based on an outdated male model that shuts women out.

Old Stereotypes

Because men have been leaders for so long, the traits associated with leadership are often thought of as masculine and not viewed as favorably when exhibited by women.

Fewer “connections”

Men still surpass women in having the networks to learn about opportunities and find mentors and sponsors to champion their advancement.

Bias and Discrimination

Sexual harassment, hostile work environments and subtle biases are still obstacles. Women of color face even further obstacles to their advancement and, as a result, are even less likely to move into leadership roles.

Lack of Flexibility

Balancing work and family can be a challenge that limits women from seeking leadership roles. Workplaces are still designed a decades-old notion of male and female domestic roles.