Let's Talk about Gender and Leadership
Women Leaders' Experiences on the Croatian Business Portal Women in Adria
Abstract
Global statistics confirm a growing number of women in leadership roles, yet gender gaps and underrepresentation persist. This paper reviews feminist literature addressing traditional, contemporary and alternative leadership models, noting that leadership is still predominantly conceptualised through traditional gender categories. Compared to men, women face many gender-based barriers and challenges in developing their leadership careers. In Croatia, efforts to increase gender equality and promoting gender awareness in the business sector are visible through the specialised online portal Women in Adria. The paper analyses mediated meanings and experiences of leadership, gendered challenges, and inequalities in the business sector from the perspective of women leaders from different industries and sectors. A thematic analysis of 38 articles published on the portal in 2024 identified four key themes: women on the leadership path, forms of gender (in)equality, work–life (im)balance and motherhood.
Keywords:
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