Exploring Challenges Faced by Women Leaders in a Financial Sector in South Africa

Anotace: In recent years, business and industries are striving to find a balance in the workplace since there is a huge gap in inequalities and gender representation is at the forefront in leadership positions. Despite several initiatives from both the public and private sectors, the gap does not appear to be closing over time in the financial sector in South Africa. The aim of the study is to explore the representation of women in leadership roles in financial organisations in greater Durban area. This was a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted among 10 women who were in management positions. They were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes, the study found that women in leadership positions in the financial industries face a variety of difficulties. The issues range from the way males treat women to stereotypical behaviour, harassment, the pay gap, juggling home and work obligations, and male domination. It is therefore recommended that, to advance women into leadership positions, organizations can create policies, provide mentorship programs, provide networking opportunities, promote women, and enforce gender equity policies.