Perceived barriers and enablers impacting women in leadership within the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector in South Africa

Abstract

Women remain underrepresented in the ICT leadership in South Africa and are hampered by systemic constraints in the form of gender discrimination, stereotypes, a lack of mentors, and balancing life and work. These constraints hinder their professional advancement and perpetuate a male-dominated power structure, thereby limiting innovation and diversity. Despite efforts worldwide aimed at increasing women's representation in ICT leadership, there are still issues due to socio-cultural attitudes, professional network exclusion, and a lack of organizational support. The research explores the barriers facing women’s leadership in ICT and undertakes a comprehensive investigation of the barriers hampering their advancement. The study also explores major enablers in women succeeding in top jobs, e.g., qualifications, mentoring, sponsorship, organisational support, and attitudes in the working environment. The research reveals how systematic leadership programmes, equal-gender policies, and assertive mentoring are major in advancing women in top jobs. By integrating transformational leadership theory, the research reveals how organisations can design working conditions that are gender- inclusive, empowering women through mentoring, professional development, and flexible working policies. These are major in constructing a balanced ICT industry in terms of gender. The research is significant to policymakers, educators, ICT leaders, and professional women, with implications on how gender diversity, inclusion in leadership, and sustainable career progress are addressed. The research makes recommendations on how these are improved with mentoring programmes, organisational reform in policies, and systematic programmes in leadership aimed at rectifying gender imbalances. The research also advocates for future studies on global ICT leadership barriers and enablers, aiming to identify the most effective approaches to gender- inclusive leadership. The overcoming of these problems would result in a balanced, creative, and diverse ICT profession that benefits organisations and the broader economy.