Gendered Societies and Leadership Trajectories: A Qualitative Study of Women in the Indian Civil Services

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of women leaders in the Indian Civil Services. Through in-depth interviews this research aims to uncover the success code of the selected twelve women leaders. The study identified six broad themes with subthemes which acted as enablers or deterrents for these women. The findings reveal a complex interplay between personal qualities, success mantras, social and organizational facilitators, and the barriers and challenges in shaping their leadership journeys. By providing rich, narrative insights, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics at play for women in the Indian Civil Services and offers recommendations for fostering a more inclusive environment which can enable more women to reach top positions. The implications of this research underscore the need for targeted interventions to support and enhance the leadership capacities of women in this critical sector.