Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Leadership

As organisations across the world continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, women’s leadership remains a critical topic. While progress has been made, challenges persist, particularly in sectors where leadership opportunities have historically been male-dominated.


Recent studies show that 66% of employees believe their workplace does not provide fair and equal opportunities for all. Despite policies aimed at gender equity, many women still face invisible barriers to advancement, including workplace bias, pay disparities, and work-life balance struggles. Although leadership representation has improved, women remain underrepresented in executive roles, and progress is occurring at a slow pace.


One staggering estimate suggests that the gender leadership gap will take 136 years to close at the current rate of change. While women now make up a larger share of the workforce and are pursuing leadership roles more than ever, barriers such as unconscious bias and outdated workplace structures continue to hinder progress.

So, what can be done to accelerate change? To explore this, Shannon Barlow, NZ Managing Director at Frog Recruitment, sat down with Natalie Ferguson and Kristen Lunman, Co-Founders of Powrsuit, to discuss the realities of women in leadership and practical steps organisations can take to support career progression for women.



Insights from Powrsuit: The Realities of Women in Leadership


For Natalie Ferguson, the slow progress in gender leadership is concerning. “The world of work has existed for over 3,000 years, and women have participated in it for less than a hundred. That frames the problem well—yes, things are improving, but the progress is too slow.

This slow progress isn’t just a problem for women—it affects everyone. Workplace structures that fail to accommodate dual-income households and caregiving responsibilities lead to burnout and wider economic consequences.


A significant barrier to women’s career progression remains the gender pay gap, which is even more pronounced for women of colour and Māori and Pasifika women in New Zealand. Kristen Lunman highlighted this issue, stating: “We are still only paid 91 cents on the dollar compared to men, and it’s worse for our women of colour. These gaps persist despite growing awareness.


Women also take on a disproportionate share of non-promotable work—tasks that benefit an organisation but do not contribute to career advancement. This includes administrative duties, organising events, and workplace caregiving responsibilities, leaving them with less time to focus on high-impact strategic work that drives promotions.



Addressing Workplace Bias and Barriers to Leadership


Unconscious bias remains a major issue that prevents women from advancing. According to Natalie Ferguson, many biases are subtle but significantly impact career progression. “A common example is when a woman returns from parental leave, and managers assume she wouldn’t want to take on new opportunities because of her young child. That assumption—while framed as consideration—actually holds her back.


Hiring processes, promotion pathways, and even workplace interactions can be shaped by unconscious bias. Kristen Lunman pointed out, “Hiring processes often rely on gut instinct, which is influenced by personal biases. The best person for the job is determined by those making the decisions, and if bias isn’t actively addressed, it reinforces existing inequalities.


To counteract this, organisations need to actively review hiring and promotion processes to identify areas where bias may be present. Simple changes, such as blind resume screening, diverse hiring panels, and structured interview processes, can make a significant difference in ensuring fairness.



Strategies for Driving Meaningful Change


Creating real change requires action at both an individual and organisational level. Here are key strategies to support women’s leadership growth:



1. Invest in Women’s Leadership Development

Providing leadership training, mentorship, and career development opportunities for women ensures they have the skills and confidence needed to advance. Organisations that actively invest in their female workforce see improved retention and engagement rates.


2. Ensure Pay Transparency and Equity

The gender pay gap remains a critical issue. Businesses should conduct regular pay audits, set clear salary bands, and ensure transparent pay structures to address disparities and promote fairness.


3. Redefine Workplace Flexibility

Flexible work arrangements are essential for retaining top female talent. Offering remote work options, job-sharing opportunities, and structured parental leave return programs helps women balance career progression with personal responsibilities.


4. Remove Bias from Hiring and Promotion Processes

Recruitment and promotions should be structured, transparent, and objective. Implementing diverse hiring panels, using gender-neutral job descriptions, and measuring performance based on results rather than perceptions can help level the playing field.


5. Create Clear Career Advancement Pathways

Many women struggle with unclear promotion criteria. Providing transparent roadmaps for career progression, including mentorship programs and sponsorship opportunities, enables women to see a clear path forward.


6. Encourage Networking and Sponsorship

Traditional networking structures often exclude women due to time constraints and caregiving responsibilities. Encouraging inclusive networking opportunities, such as virtual networking or industry mentoring groups, allows women to build the connections needed to advance.



The Path Forward: Shaping the Future of Women’s Leadership


While progress in gender leadership equality is happening, it is moving too slowly to create immediate, meaningful change. Businesses must take proactive steps to ensure leadership opportunities are accessible to all, removing outdated barriers that hinder women’s advancement.


As Natalie Ferguson put it, “Instead of trying to ‘fix’ women by focusing on confidence or imposter syndrome, we need to change the systems that weren’t built with women in mind.


The future of leadership depends on organisations investing in their female talent, recognising bias, and creating structured pathways for career growth. So, what immediate changes can your workplace make to better support women in leadership? Read on to explore how small actions today can drive lasting change for the next generation of leaders.

Get in touch

hannon Barlow • March 11, 2025

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Share this article

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.
Share by: