Liderança feminina: os desafios enfrentados pelas mulheres em cargos de liderança

This article investigates the challenges faced by women in leadership positions, focusing on structural and cultural barriers, as well as the effectiveness of organizational diversity and inclusion policies. The methodology consisted of a literature review of key works on the subject, combined with a documentary analysis of statistical data provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), with emphasis on the topic “Public life and decision-making” (Tables 1,2,3,4 and 5). The theoretical review highlighted that, despite notable progress in gender equity, women still face significant obstacles, intensified by gender stereotypes and exclusionary organizational structures. The data analyzed reinforced the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across both public and private sectors, and revealed how unpaid domestic work and low political participation affect their career paths. It is concluded that promoting effective female leadership requires more than implementing diversity policies; it demands a broader cultural shift within institutions, capable of recognizing and supporting women’s specific needs. The inclusion of intersectional variables in future research is recommended in order to develop more comprehensive and inclusive solutions.