Breaking barriers - Exploring the leadership trajectories of women in Indian Civil Services

The present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women leaders in the Indian Civil Services, focusing on their leadership journey since childhood. Using a qualitative approach, the investigators captured the lived experiences of twelve women leaders, selected using purposive sampling based on predefined criteria. Six key themes emerged from the data analysis: fostering confidence from childhood, personal qualities, social facilitators, organizational facilitators, workplace and socio-cultural challenges, and success strategies. These themes informed the development of a three-stage leadership pathway model: formative years experiences, individual development, and the path to eminence. The findings revealed that despite formal gender equality, women encounter significant barriers at personal and organizational levels, such as gender stereotyping, inadequate facilities, and self-doubt. Despite this challenge, they successfully navigated to higher leadership positions, showing their aspirations to achieve their goals. The emerging model provides insights for strategy and policy formulation at each stage—strengthening early education and upbringing, creating a supportive learning and development environment, and implementing organizational policies that promote inclusivity in leadership. • The study reveals the lived experiences of women leaders in Indian Civil Services. • Six themes and fourteen subthemes are revealed through the analysis of twelve women leaders. • An inductively derived model is developed to guide the processes for effective women development initiatives.