Mulheres em cargos de liderança: percepções sobre barreiras de gênero em um órgão público

Abstract

Despite significant advances in women’s educational attainment and increasing participation in the labor market, they still occupy a smaller space in leadership than men. This study aims to analyze the perceptions and experiences of women in leaderships positions regarding the gender barriers that marks their professional path in a public agency in Mato Grosso do Sul. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach, using semi-structured interviews conducted with ten female managers from the organization. Data analysis was guided by the theoretical framework of Eagly and Carli (2007), who conceptualize the “leadership labyrinth,” along with the study of Hryniewicz and Vianna (2018) on the specific challenges faced by female leaders. The results indicate that the main barriers are related to subtle prejudice, resistance to female leadership, work-life imbalance, and the burdens associated with motherhood and the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities. Additionally, participants report facing the constant pressure to exceed male counterparts in performance to be equally recognized, leading to emotional and physical strain. This study highlights the urgent need for institutional policies that promotes gender equity and the recognition of female leadership in public organizations, contributing to more diverse, inclusive, and representative management practices.