Women are making incredible strides in the business world, yet the path to leadership is still filled with unique challenges.
From gender biases and cultural expectations to balancing work and family responsibilities, many aspiring women leaders must work twice as hard to be seen as equals or recognised in the workplace.
However, the growing number of women breaking barriers across industries proves that leadership success is not only possible but within reach.
This blog explores the obstacles that continue to hold women back, while also providing practical, proven strategies to help them accelerate their journey to leadership.
Whether it’s developing a strong career strategy, seeking out mentorship, or enrolling in professional training such as skillME’s Women in Leadership Accelerator Programme, women have powerful tools at their disposal to build influence, grow confidence, and lead with impact.
In this article, we explore why women in business still find it challenging to become leaders, five proven ways women can become leaders, and the best training programmes to consider.
Why do women in business still find it challenging to become leaders?
Despite progress toward gender equality, women in South Africa continue to encounter significant barriers on their path to leadership.
Pay gaps
Systemic and cultural obstacles remain deeply entrenched. For example, the unadjusted gender pay gap is around 32.5% at the monthly level, meaning women earn roughly two-thirds of what men do for comparable work.
Gender bias and discrimination persist: in 2025’s second quarter, women’s unemployment stood at 35.9% compared to men’s 31.0%, underscoring that women are disproportionately sidelined – even when educated.
Women are also clustered in lower-paying firms, a factor explaining about half of the formal-sector wage gap.
Cultural expectations and work-life balance
Furthermore, cultural expectations and patriarchal norms reinforce the notion that women should prioritise domestic responsibilities. Studies show traditional stereotypes continue to gatekeep leadership opportunities, portraying decisive, risk-taking leadership as masculine.
Work-life balance also worsens the picture as women often bear more caregiving duties, limiting their availability for high-visibility roles.
Access to capital and mentors
Access to capital and training also remains unequal, especially for women entrepreneurs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Lack of mentors and networks, unconscious bias, and even hostile work environments (including sexual harassment) further restrict women’s advancement.
5 Proven ways women in business can accelerate their path to leadership
Breaking through leadership barriers requires both strategy and courage. Here are five proven ways women in business can accelerate their growth and seize leadership opportunities.
1. Develop a strong personal and professional strategy
Many women fall into subconscious patterns such as overworking, waiting for recognition, or hesitating to share bold ideas.
To counter this, create a clear strategy for your career. Think like an executive: manage your time effectively, set measurable goals, and confidently pursue opportunities.
For instance, instead of quietly completing a project, a woman might present her ideas in a leadership meeting, positioning herself as a problem-solver rather than simply a contributor.
2. Seek out sponsors, mentors & education opportunities
Mentors offer valuable guidance, but sponsors go further by actively advocating for your career advancement. Identifying a senior leader who believes in your potential can fast-track promotions and access to high-visibility projects.
For example, a sponsor might recommend that you lead a critical client account, exposing you to decision-makers.
At the same time, continuous learning, such as enrolling in a course for women leaders, equips you with tools to overcome challenges and strengthen your leadership profile.
3. Take on high-impact “stretch” assignments
Leadership is often forged in challenging circumstances. Volunteering for stretch assignments, such as leading a cross-departmental project or piloting a new venture, demonstrates initiative and resilience.
Imagine a manager stepping up to oversee a digital transformation project. Even if it pushes her outside her comfort zone, the exposure builds her reputation as someone who can deliver under pressure.
4. Build and leverage a strong professional network
Networking is more than exchanging business cards. It’s about creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships. Building connections with colleagues, senior managers, and other women leaders in business opens doors to collaborations, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Joining professional associations or women’s leadership forums can be especially impactful. A supportive network not only provides advice but also acts as a safety net during career transitions.
5. Showcase your value and influence
To rise into leadership, it’s not enough to complete tasks, you need to demonstrate strategic impact. Align your contributions with the company’s broader goals and make your achievements visible.
For example, instead of just reporting that you increased sales by 10%, frame it as contributing directly to the company’s growth strategy. Proactively sharing your successes ensures recognition and strengthens your leadership credibility.
What to expect from skillME’s women in leadership programme
The Women Leaders Accelerator Programme, offered via skillME (MANCOSA), is a compact yet powerful six-week online course designed to propel women into leadership roles across industries.
Flexible, fully online delivery means you can manage your current responsibilities, work, family, and studies, while upskilling.
The programme includes live workshops, interactive learning modules, and culminates in a certificate of completion issued through blockchain verification. This ensures credibility and easy sharing with employers and networks.
Core modules include:
- Transformational Leadership: Bridging the Gender Barrier
- Leading a High-Performance Team
- Emotional & Adversity Quotients (EQ & AQ)
- Personal Leadership Development Journey
- Resilience in the 21st Century
This structure ensures participants not only grasp leadership theory but also build the emotional intelligence, resilience, and strategic mindset essential for real-world leadership.
Completing this programme equips you to:
- Become a more influential and impactful leader
- Understand and navigate gender barriers in your workplace
- Assess and grow your personal leadership strengths
- Lead teams effectively and drive high performance
For more details, you can visit the official Women in Leadership Accelerator Programme page on the skillME site.
FAQs – common questions from aspiring women leaders
What skills are most important for women aspiring to leadership roles?
Women leaders benefit from developing strong communication, negotiation, decision-making, and strategic thinking skills, as well as emotional intelligence, to lead diverse teams effectively.
What challenges do women commonly face in leadership, and how can they overcome them?
Women often face gender bias, limited networking opportunities, and work-life balance pressures. Building resilience, seeking mentors, and leveraging leadership online short courses can help navigate these challenges.
Are leadership opportunities equal across industries for women?
While progress is being made, some industries still lag in gender diversity. Women who equip themselves with leadership skills and relevant qualifications can better break into senior roles across sectors.
How can a women in leadership course help accelerate career growth?
Specialised programmes provide practical tools, mentorship, and confidence-building strategies that help women overcome workplace barriers and position themselves for faster promotions.
Can women in leadership programmes help with networking?
Yes. These programmes often connect participants with industry leaders, peers, and mentors, creating valuable networks that can open doors to leadership opportunities.
Register for a skillME women in leadership course
While the road to leadership may still present obstacles for women, there are clear strategies and resources that can make the journey easier (and more enjoyable)!Support systems like skillME’s Women in Leadership Accelerator Programme provide a powerful platform to teach you resilience, emotional intelligence, and transformational leadership skills.
