What do women need to develop professionally?

Is career development the same for women as it is for men? Although progress has been made, women still face specific challenges in their professional development. Importantly, these are challenges that men will never face.

Despite making up almost half of the workforce, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions and experience a persistent gender pay gap. Overcoming these obstacles requires a multifaceted approach, from developing the necessary skills to leveraging support networks and pushing for organisational change. Here is a broader look at what women need to advance in their careers.

We are making progress towards gender equality, but significant disparities remain, hindering the career development of many women. According to research, only 36% of managers in the EU are women, even though they make up almost half of the workforce. This underrepresentation in leadership positions is a sign of broader systemic barriers. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial to realising the full potential of women in the workplace.

Understanding the unique career challenges women face

The most common obstacles women face at work include: