International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women’s Participation and Leadership in Higher Education

The 21st century has seen great advances in gender equality, but women’s participation and leadership in higher education continue to face chronic hurdles. Despite notable progress in gender equality, women’s representation in leadership positions within higher education remains disproportionately low, but recently, women’s participation and leadership have increased day by day. This study examines the persistent “glass ceiling” effect, analyzing systemic barriers such as gender bias, work-life balance challenges, limited access to professional networks, and so on. Employing a qualitative approach and secondary data analysis, the research explores institutional and policy interventions that foster gender-inclusive leadership. The findings underscore the necessity of mentorship, leadership training, and gender-responsive policies to enhance women’s leadership participation. Addressing these disparities is essential for institutional excellence and social transformation, contributing to the broader discourse on gender equity in academia.