Understanding the challenges faced by female ethnic leaders in corporate settings requires a clear definition of leadership. Traditionally, a leader is someone who guides or influences others. However, societal norms often associate leadership with men, positioning women as followers rather than leaders.

Traditionally, men have been viewed as the primary decision-makers and leaders, while women have been expected to follow (Vinnicombe et al., 2004). However, the number of women in leadership positions is increasing, contributing significantly to organisational effectiveness.

Female leaders in the UK face significant barriers to career progression due to gender bias, work-life balance challenges, and limited networking and mentoring opportunities.