Enduring career and inclusion challenges of Malaysian women in leadership and professional roles

This qualitative research explores the lived experiences of Malaysian women in pursuing career growth and workplace inclusion, with reference to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Adopting a phenomenological approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with Malaysian women across various industries, each with a minimum of five years of professional experience. Thematic analysis, guided by the Glass Ceiling Theory, revealed six enduring challenges: organizational bias, gender and cultural bias, personal and emotional challenges, safety and well-being concerns, communication barriers, and workload pressures. These findings highlight the persistent obstacles that limit women’s leadership opportunities and hinder equitable inclusion in organizational contexts. By centering on personal narratives, this study offers deeper insights into the realities faced by professional women in Malaysia and proposes practical recommendations for fostering inclusive and sustainable workplace cultures.