Barriers to promotion faced by female engineers at a FMCG firm in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

This research explored the barriers to promotion faced by female engineers at a FMCG companyin Johannesburg, South Africa. Employing a qualitative approach, the study explored factorscontributing to this underrepresentation, delved into the experiences of female engineers, andproposed strategies for promoting gender equality in leadership roles. Key findings highlightedindustry challenges, persistent gender biases, and structural impediments. The researchunderscored the interconnectedness of barriers, rejecting isolated solutions. The study identifiedgender bias, stereotypes, and structural challenges as significant contributors, affecting women'sprogression from entry levels to leadership roles. Moreover, the research revealed the impact ofpersistent gender bias on young professional women's career advancement, influenced bybiological reasons within the FMCG beverage company. The study emphasized the competitivedisadvantage faced by female engineers, shedding light on the need for targeted interventions tomitigate these challenges. The study proposed proactive policies, awareness programs, andfostering an inclusive workplace culture to address gender imbalances. To the FMCG industry,the study recommended policies like having reserved positions for females, and targeted initiativesto ensure equitable representation. Further studies are recommended to conduct longitudinalstudies to track the career trajectories of female engineers, to assess the impact of existing diversityand inclusion policies on the career progression of female engineers as well as to investigate howgender intersects with factors such as race, ethnicity, and age. The findings emphasized theimportance of actively tracking diversity goals, building on existing policies, and fostering anenvironment where women could thrive in senior roles within the FMCG beverage firm inJohannesburg