Business & IT · Vol. XV(2) · 2025
Women in Leadership in the Financial Services Sector: A Qualitative Exploration of Inequality, Barriers, and Opportunities
Abstract
Despite the efforts of gender equity polices, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in the financial services industry. This paper investigates the role of women in leadership, the challenges they encounter, and measures that can be taken to increase representation. A qualitative approach was used in the research. Nine women in leadership positions ranging from middle management to senior positions in financial services firms were chosen for semi-structured web interviews. Thematic analysis was applied in the research, using the confines of the Braun and Clarke approach, to uncover observable recurring themes. Results indicated challenges associated with gender equity in leadership, the masculinity in the work environment, salary discrimination, lack of inclusivity, selective policy enforcement, and sabotage in the work environment. Among the measures identified as crucial in improving representation include the celebration of women’s efforts, targeted recruitment, mentorship, and the enforcement of gender equity policy measures. The presence of women in leadership positions was identified as contributing positively to the strategy, empathy, multitasking, and organisational efficiency. The pursuit of gender equity in the financial service industry constitutes a multifaceted endeavour, requiring the consideration of policy measures, mentorship, work inclusiveness strategies, and the enforcement of policy measures. The representation of women in leadership positions advances gender equity while improving efficiency in the venture.
Keywords
Women in leadership, gender equity, financial services, qualitative research, mentorship, organizational culture
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How to cite (APA)
Sithembile Nduku, Muhammad Hoque (2025). Women in Leadership in the Financial Services Sector: A Qualitative Exploration of Inequality, Barriers, and Opportunities. Business & IT, Vol. XV(2), pp. 47–59. https://doi.org/10.14311/bit.2025.02.05