Rising against the tide : interrogating experiences of women executives in Commercial Banks, Kampala City, Uganda

Abstract

The banking sector in Uganda is pivotal to the economy but faces challenges regarding women's advancement to top leadership roles. Despite their significant contributions, women hold few leadership positions in Ugandan banks, an area that has been under-researched in developing economies. This study explored women's employability in the banking sector, identifying barriers to their progress informed by the liberal feminist theory and the glass ceiling concept. It examines management perceptions, notable cases of women overcoming obstacles, and strategies to mitigate these barriers. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, the research employed semi-structured interviews with fourteen participants (Nine women and five men), who included board chairpersons, managing directors, and human resource professionals from seven banks. Findings indicate that while progress has been made, an increasing women’s participation in leadership is still limited by systemic barriers such as gender bias, societal stereotypes, implicit biases, and work-life balance issues. Challenges remain. The study underscored the need for banks to foster supportive and inclusive environments by adopting family-friendly policies, mentorship initiatives, and continuous professional development. Addressing work-life balance integration and creating clear career pathways are also critical for empowering women in executive leadership positions. Ultimately, a concerted effort by individuals, organizations, lawmakers, policy makers, regulators, and the government is required to dismantle barriers and promote gender diverse leadership in Uganda’s banking sector.