The global push for gender-inclusive leadership has gained momentum across various sectors. Economics, traditionally dominated by men, is no exception to this trend. In Kenya, the demand for more women in leadership positions within economics is slowly but steadily growing.
- However, despite some progress, significant barriers continue to hinder women’s advancement in the field.
- A recent study by Co-Impact sheds light on the current state of women’s leadership in economics in Kenya, exploring the challenges, the progress that has been made as well as the pathways to overcoming these obstacles.
Globally, women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within the field of economics. According to the 2023 Women in Economics Index, women make up just 8% of top authors in academic economics literature, 21% of leaders in economics think tanks, and 22.3% of faculty members in top economics departments. In the private sector, only 20.9% of chief economists in major companies are women, highlighting a persistent gender gap despite efforts to create more equitable opportunities.
Kenya mirrors these global trends. The report notes that although women have made significant strides in entering the economics field, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles, particularly in academia and the private sector. However, progress can be seen in some areas, with women playing critical roles in public policy, corporate strategy, and economic research.
Barriers to Leadership for Women in Economics
The Co-Impact study identifies several barriers that impede women’s progress into leadership positions in economics. These challenges span individual, organizational, societal, and governmental levels, making it clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address them.
Individual Barriers
Many women economists in Kenya reported facing personal challenges that hindered their progression into leadership. For instance, some women experienced “impostor syndrome,” doubting their qualifications despite being overqualified for the roles they aspired to. This lack of confidence often discouraged them from applying for leadership positions. Additionally, many women cited the tension between family responsibilities and career advancement as a significant barrier. The need to balance these competing demands made it difficult for women to pursue leadership roles that required a high level of time and commitment.
Organizational Barriers
Organizational culture plays a crucial role in either enabling or hindering women’s advancement in leadership. The study found that many women economists encountered a “masculine corporate culture,” where decision-making processes and networking opportunities were dominated by male colleagues. This environment not only made it difficult for women to be heard but also excluded them from informal networks where important decisions were often made.
Furthermore, women reported that the lack of flexible work arrangements and insufficient “re-entry” opportunities after maternity leave limited their ability to progress in their careers. The absence of adequate mentorship and professional development programs also hindered their advancement. In addition to these structural barriers, some respondents pointed to systemic sexual harassment in the workplace, which created a hostile environment and further limited their professional growth.
Societal Barriers
Societal expectations and entrenched gender norms continue to reinforce the division between what is considered “men’s work” and “women’s work.” Many women economists reported facing societal pressure to balance their career ambitions with domestic responsibilities. This pressure often resulted in discriminatory hiring and promotional practices, with women being overlooked for leadership roles due to their gender or age. Moreover, biases based on societal expectations made it more difficult for women to access opportunities for professional development and leadership.
Governmental Barriers
The study also shows that inadequate policies around work-life balance, parental leave, and workplace equity further entrench gender disparities in economics. While there are laws in place to promote gender equality, the inconsistent implementation of these regulations exacerbates the challenges women face. As a result, even in sectors where gender-inclusive policies exist, the lack of enforcement makes it difficult for women to fully benefit from these initiatives.
Pathways to Leadership
Despite the numerous barriers, many women have successfully navigated these challenges and ascended to leadership positions in economics. The Co-Impact study highlights several enablers that have helped these women succeed.
Education and Professional Development
The study finds that many women who reached leadership positions pursued formal education in economics from the undergraduate to the PhD level. Scholarships played a crucial role in enabling women to continue their studies and advance their careers. Continuous professional development, including certifications and advanced degrees, also helped women overcome individual and organizational barriers.
Mentorship and Networking
Both formal and informal mentorship programs provided women with the guidance, support, and opportunities necessary to navigate the complexities of their careers. Networking, both within and outside their organizations, allowed women to build connections that facilitated their progression into leadership roles.
Supportive Organizational Policies
Some organizations in Kenya have made progress in creating more gender-inclusive workplaces. Flexible work arrangements, leadership commitment to diversity, and professional development opportunities were all cited as critical factors that helped women thrive in economics. Companies that actively promoted gender equality through intentional policies and practices saw more women rise to leadership positions.
Societal and Family Support
Many respondents credited their families with encouraging their educational and professional pursuits, providing them with the support they needed to succeed. Role models within the field, such as successful female economists, also inspired younger women to pursue careers in economics and strive for leadership roles.
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