Barriers to women’s career advancement

Аннотация

Despite the growing awareness of the gender gap in career progression, women remain significantly
underrepresented in top-level positions in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as ICT and aviation. This study
explores various factors that hinder women's career advancement, supported by empirical data from ICT professionals in
South Africa, interviews with senior women ICT managers in Lithuania, and an analysis of structural and cultural barriers
in the aviation industry. Key challenges include male-dominated corporate cultures, low self-confidence, limited access
to training and mentorship, work-life imbalance, and the long-term effects of gender stereotypes and societal norms.
The article outlines interventions at individual, organizational, and societal levels and categorizes the challenges as
intrapersonal or environmental. Proposed solutions include self-empowerment, continuous education, inclusive workplace
cultures, mentoring programs, visible role models, and supportive public policies. This article provides a comprehensive
cross-national and cross-sectoral analysis of the institutional and personal barriers women face and offers practical
solutions for achieving gender equity in career advancement