Women in the financial sector: Examining gender challenges and career sustainability

Abstract Purpose: This study examines the career trajectories of women aspiring to leadership positions in financial sector organizations and identifies the challenges they face due to the social construction of gender, drawing on the concept of sustainable careers. Originality/value: The findings help address gaps in the dominant literature on sustainable careers, which has thus far offered limited exploration of gender-based barriers in professional trajectories and insufficiently considered the specificities of the South American labor market. Design/methodology/approach: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 19 Brazilian women working in the financial sector who aspire to leadership roles. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, which were subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Findings: The study identifies several key challenges: difficulties in gaining credibility and securing approval from male colleagues; self-imposed pressure, feelings of inferiority, and a consequent need for heightened career dedication to overcome these barriers; the reconciliation of multiple roles, particularly the work–life dilemma; the motherhood penalty, including the postponement or even avoidance of pregnancy in favor of career advancement; and constant comparison with men in relation to “expected” attitudes and roles within the gendered division of labor. Contributions/implications: Theoretically, this study advances the sustainable careers literature by providing empirical evidence grounded in its conceptual foundations. As practical implications, the identified gender inequalities and discriminatory practices provide a basis for developing organizational policies and practices. Issues such as sexual harassment, delayed promotions favoring equally qualified male professionals, underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and the preference for hiring younger women without children are critical areas for intervention. Furthermore, these insights align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), reinforcing the study’s theoretical and practical relevance.