Barriers to Leadership: Experiences of Women Leaders in Business and Politics

Objective: This study aimed to explore the challenges women face when exercising leadership in the political and business spheres in the department of Cauca, Colombia. Design/Methodology: The methodology included a phenomenological analysis and in-depth interviews with ten women in management positions. The goal was to understand how these women experience, interpret, and express the challenges they encounter in their leadership roles. Findings: The findings reveal that, despite breaking the glass ceiling, women leaders continue to perceive gender stereotypes in their immediate environments, particularly those related to reproduction, family care, and appearance. Additionally, they face apathy and resistance from other women while leading. Conclusions: Although women have made significant gains in political and corporate scenarios, these achievements remain constrained by the cultural weight of machismo. It is therefore essential to foster androgynous leadership environments based on competencies and to advocate for the equitable distribution of family and social responsibilities between men and women. Originality: This study contributes to the field of leadership by examining how women navigate management roles in the corporate and political arenas in the department of Cauca.