THE IMPACT OF GENDER BARRIERS ON CAREER ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN MANAGERS

This study examines persistent gender barriers that hinder women’s advancement into leadership positions and highlights global challenges across organizational and cultural contexts. Despite advances in gender equality, women remain underrepresented in senior management due to systemic barriers such as the glass ceiling, unconscious bias, and gender stereotypes. Using a systematic literature review methodology, the study considers theoretical frameworks including the glass ceiling effect, social role theory, and the maze model, alongside empirical research from across regions. Findings identify key barriers such as societal norms, male-dominated leadership cultures, and limited access to mentoring and professional networks. Structural issues including inflexible work policies and a significant gender pay gap exacerbate these challenges. The study outlines practical strategies to overcome these barriers, including mentoring programs, flexible work arrangements, and legislative measures such as gender quotas. The originality of this study lies in its coverage of many theoretical and empirical insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of gender barriers in organizational and cultural contexts. Valuable recommendations were offered for policymakers, organizational leaders, and practitioners seeking to promote gender equality in leadership, increase inclusivity, and drive organizational and societal progress. The study contributes to efforts to address systemic barriers and achieve meaningful representation of women in leadership, with implications for workplaces in Kazakhstan.