The glass ceiling effect in South African companies: An illusion or reality

Abstract

Despite the existence of advanced employment equity legislation that addresses inequalities and discrimination in South Africa, the glass ceiling still inhibits the advancement of women to top positions in both the private and public sectors. The glass ceiling entails inherent and assimilated factors that contribute to barriers that limit women’s advancement in executive positions. In South Africa, women are the majority, yet they are under-represented in leadership positions in corporates. A qualitative research approach was followed to explore the challenges experienced by women in their efforts to become leaders in the South African corporate sector. The study captured the real experiences of 17 women in corporate South Africa through unstructured interviews.