What is the glass ceiling for women in leadership? | edX

What is the glass ceiling for women in leadership?Written by: Jhoni Jackson, Edited by: Marie Custodio CollazoPublished: April 17, 2025Labor force equality has improved greatly over the past 50 years, but significant challenges remain — including the glass ceiling.Coined in 1978 by writer and workplace diversity advocate Marilyn Loden, the glass ceiling refers to limitations in career advancement for women and other historically excluded groups.Some of the challenges these groups face include:Gender biasRacismAbleismSexual harassmentMotherhood and caregiver biasScarcity of mentors and sponsorsWhile the glass ceiling is a metaphor, its effects are quantifiable. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, the median weekly earnings for women were 84% of their male counterparts.Additionally, according to a 2023 S&P Global Market Intelligence report, women hold only 11.8% of C-suite positions (e.g., chief executive officer, chief technology officer).However, women and members of historically excluded groups — and their allies — can work together to help eliminate these inequities. Read on to learn how to help shatter the glass ceiling for yourself and others.Game plan for shattering the glass ceilingThe glass ceiling isn't impenetrable. Accomplishments from women throughout history — like Madam C.J. Walker, the first woman to become a self-made millionaire, and Indra Nooyi, the first woman of color and immigrant to become a Fortune 500 CEO — prove that breakthroughs are possible.Still, these women are outliers. However, there are ways to make shattering the glass ceiling possible for more women and historically excluded groups — you'll find our top strategies below.Join an employee resource group (ERG)An employee resource group (ERG) is a company-approved, employee-led community based on shared identity, such as gender, sexual orientation, race, or heritage.These spaces promote inclusion through community-building events and meetings, offer solidarity and empowerment for historically excluded groups, and support professional development through networking and workshops.Additionally, ERGs are often a safe place to discuss workplace policies that impact the employee experience, which can lead to advocacy for improvement.Advocate for equitable workplace policiesAn equitable workplace ensures fair access to opportunity. Note that equity differs from equality in that an equitable workplace acknowledges that employees have varying degrees of privilege and resources, and their needs can vary accordingly.Examples of equitable workplace policies include:Company-funded continuing education and trainingTransparency around wage and salary informationEstablished and accessible career pathway informationAdvancement opportunities based on meritSkills-based hiring (as opposed to hiring based on academic degrees)Disability inclusivity, including wheelchair-accessible meeting rooms and closed captions for video presentationsWorkplace flexibility (when, where, and how work is completed) that accommodates the diverse needs of employeesDiversity training, including anti-discrimination and unconscious bias trainingFind a mentor or sponsorA mentor uses their personal experience to help you navigate the obstacles and challenges of career advancement.Sponsors, however, may help identify professional development opportunities and advocate for you in concrete ways, such as serving as a professional reference when you apply for a job opening.Both types of relationships can be valuable, especially for women and members of historically excluded groups.You can find potential mentors through ERGs, professional networks (such as a women's leadership group or professional organization), and by developing relationships with company leaders. You can also look at professional communities online, such as LinkedIn.Commit to continuous learningContinuous learning is key to professional development and unlocking higher-paying roles.Stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends through workshops and panels, earn industry certifications, explore women's executive education programs, take courses, and complete training that aligns with your professional goals.Share your successesDid you complete a complex project or earn a new certification in your field? Celebrate your workplace wins via company communications, such as Slack and email, and with your professional networks. Be sure to include these successes in your self-evaluation during performance reviews.Sharing your success is a means of advocating for yourself and making your credentials known. It can also motivate others to reach for wins or share their accomplishments, all of which can contribute to a more positive workplace for everyone.Prepare to leadThe glass ceiling is breakable. Ready yourself for career advancement with leadership courses on edX.Outcomes-based designAn immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.Real-world impactCourses are tailored to address today’s organizational issues and opportunities so that you can make effective decisions to impact change.Dedicated supportSuccess Advisers provide administrative and technical support 24/7 and our tutors, who are subject matter experts, offer academic support.BusinessShare this articleShare on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedinShare on Email