Invisible Barriers: Experiences of Women Leaders in Healthcare Administration

Objective: In the professional realm, many women perceive themselves as lagging behind their male colleagues despite having equivalent qualifications and education. They often experience concerns about advancing to higher positions, primarily due to societal and male-dominated attitudes. The obstacles women face in securing leadership roles are often attributed to an intangible yet pervasive barrier, commonly referred to as the glass ceiling. This issue is prevalent in professional life. In this context, the study seeks to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the career advancement experiences of female health managers. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 mid-level female managers working in the healthcare sector. Data were collected between January 1 and February 29, 2024, from tertiary healthcare institutions in Ankara, Türkiye. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously and dynamically. Inductive thematic, content, and descriptive analytical methods were used to analyze the qualitative data. Findings were supported by meaningful expressions. The MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020 software was utilized for qualitative data analysis. Results: The findings reveal that female health managers shape their careers based on education and experience but face a sense of hopelessness in achieving their career goals due to societal role-imposed inequities. This sense of hopelessness often drives female health managers to pursue academic careers or work independently in the private sector. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of addressing the causes of inequities in women’s career development through broader and more analytical research. It advocates for the implementation of specific measures by health administrators and policymakers to eliminate these disparities and support women in their career journeys. Cite this article as: Uğrak U, Şen H. Invisible barriers: experiences of women leaders in healthcare administration. Arch Health Sci Res. 2025; 12, 0014, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2025.25014.