Nearly57% of women say they are the only black female leader where they work. This is what the 4th edition of the survey points outBlack Women in Leadership, developed by99jobs,in partnership with theUN Global Compact – Brazil Network.
The research also revealed that women continue to be predominantly led by men with little signs of progress compared to the results of other editions of the survey. Among the interviewees,70% they say they areheaded by menand60% claim to work in a companychaired by men. When discussing career trajectory,72%pointed out that they had moremale leadersversus28% female leaders.
Incisive attitudes for greater acceptance
Of the respondents,73% they said they had passedto speak louder, to be more incisive,in search of more credibility or acceptance in the market. Already48% counthaving given up some dream or valueto become leaders.
Almost all of them,96%, highlights that prejudice still existsin placing women in leadership positions, with structural racism and institutional machismo being the main perceived points of difficulty.
Among them,43% feel more comfortable and with more opennesswhen led by other women;94% believe that the presence of a black woman in leadershipopens doors and encouragesother women to reach that position, and80% They say that the women who raised them were inspirations for them to become leaders.
Difficulties on the path to leadership
According to the interviewees, the main difficulties encountered on the path to leadership positions are:
- 52% Structural racism
- 48% Institutional machismo
- 43% Reconciling goals with personal activities
- 34% Access to experiences
- 30% Reconciling goals with family activities
- Other items on the list of options: Xenophobia, Ableism, LGBTQIA+phobia, access to experiences, access to education, personal health issues.
Factors that helped you reach the leadership position?
- 50% Long time of experience in the market
- 47% Academic qualification
- 30% Professional recommendation
- 28% Mentors
- 11% Top-tier university
- Other items on the list of options: study or work abroad, family influence, nerve, support from white people, change of company, having a female director, knowledge of diversity and inclusion, self-teaching, support from colleagues and allies, results and competence.
“Black women are a minority in leadership positions. There are several structural obstacles that prevent this growth and the achievement of positions that were previously occupied mainly by men. The results of the research are crucial for the construction of effective initiatives that promote a change in this scenario,” she highlights.Priscila Salgado, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at 99jobs and responsible for the survey.
“The research brings us alarming data, but unfortunately, it is also not surprising. The scenario among black leaders in the corporate world still needs a lot of attention, dedicated and long-term initiatives, so that we can reverse these numbers. Listening to these leaders to map their absences, their pain, their loneliness, is the first step that is being taken when we set out to listen to them. But the journey is indeed long”, she explains.Verônica Vassalo, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at the UN Global Compact – Rede Brasil, which supports the research.
SampleThe research was conducted with 331 Black women, aged 25 to 44, occupying positions as Coordinator (28%), Manager (28%), Supervisor (12%); 9% (Director); 7% (Leader); 2% (C-Level); and 1% (Counselor). Of the respondents, 13% are founders of their own company. Level of education among postgraduate/MBA (41%), Master's (10%), and completed Doctorate (2%). Main highlighted sectors: Third sector 12%, Retail and Commerce 12%, Social and Education 9%, Services 8%, and Health 8%.
