Nine in 10 women aspire towards leadership, yet unconscious bias and work-life balance remain key barriers : Survey

women in mid-to-senior management roles want to lead but systemic obstacles continue to block their way forward, a new survey found.

A new study conducted by diversity and inclusion firm Interweave Consulting discovered that 55% of women aspired to move into senior leadership positions just below the C-suite, while 34% aspired to reach CEO or CXO levels. A whopping 91% of the women surveyed shared a willingness to stretch boundaries in the short term to invest in their self-growth and career growth. Yet, 39% feel unconscious bias was hindering their advancement.
The study spread over three years and 16 organisations, surveyed more than 1,000 women and 50 managers, and found unconscious bias, work-life balance, and absence of support hobbled the path to top leadership for women.

Survey participants reported that they confronted conventional gender stereotypes that limit their influence, faced maternal and performance bias – where they are held to higher/ stricter standards than their male colleagues and not given the same opportunities.

“Women are actively preparing for leadership and investing in their development, but ambition alone is not enough. Organisations need to create an enabling environment for career growth by tackling unconsciously held biases, ensuring fair evaluations, and providing the right opportunities and support," said Nirmala Menon, founder and CEO, Interweave Consulting.

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