Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Leading in Finance

Illustration of the "glass ceiling" concept in leadership, depicting an invisible barrier hindering advancement to senior-level positions within organizations.

In every towering glass building in the finance sector, there exists another invisible glass structure that many professionals are all too familiar with: the glass ceiling. This isn't a physical barrier, but rather a set of obstacles that can prevent talented individuals from advancing into senior leadership roles, regardless of their qualifications.

Globally, women and men make up nearly equal parts of the financial workforce, yet women still hold less than a quarter of leadership positions. In Romania, for instance, only 12% of senior management roles in finance are occupied by women. This disparity isn't due to a lack of ambition among women, but rather systemic barriers that make advancement more challenging for everyone.

Cristina, a senior credit officer at a Romanian bank, recalls being told, 'You’re excellent at your role, but leadership requires toughness.' A year later, a less experienced male colleague was promoted. Determined to break through these barriers, Cristina sought support from mentors outside her team. With the encouragement of a female mentor, she was able to overcome these challenges. Today, she is part of the management team, mentoring younger professionals eager to follow in her footsteps.

The lesson learned: The glass ceiling isn't unbreakable. It starts to crack when individuals push collectively, when allies speak up, and when organizations actively track their progress.

How to Break It Together:

• Find Allies: Seek mentors and sponsors who can open doors for you.

• Challenge Norms: Speak up whenever biased assumptions arise.

• Support Each Other: When one person advances, they create opportunities for others.

The glass ceiling may seem unyielding, but it's already showing cracks. At Women in Finance, we believe that no ceiling should hinder potential. Leadership isn't about conforming to outdated standards—it's about redefining them for everyone’s benefit.