Talented women for senior positions across multi-regions: challenges, strategies, and future research agenda

Achieving sustainable development requires equitable distribution of resources, and gender equality is a crucial factor. This study contributes to the literature on women’s talent leadership by conducting a systematic review of research on challenges, strategies, and future research agenda for women in senior leadership positions across multiple regions worldwide. The study obtained 138 records and identified 65 papers for analysis. Key findings show the persistent challenges women face include gender biases and stereotypes, limited access to networks and mentors, work-life balance issues, restrictive cultural norms and traditional gender roles, lack of supportive policies and practices, and underrepresentation in decision-making. Effective strategies involve targeted talent development and leadership programs for women, diversity and inclusion initiatives, flexible work arrangements, collaboration with women’s advocacy groups, and empowerment through education. A multi-country perspective is critical to capture the nuances of contextual and cultural factors influencing women’s leadership across diverse regions. This study provides a framework to advance future research on women’s talent leadership globally through theoretical and empirical avenues. The importance of gender equality and need for further study in this area are emphasized.