An in-depth analysis of the career paths, challenges, and strategies of women in leadership positions in the Brazilian field of Information Technology

Safyre Ayumi Farão; Luiza Carolina Miranda Garcia; Andréa Sabedra Bordin

doi:10.5753/jis.2026.7286

Authors

Safyre Ayumi Farão Federal University of Santa Catarina https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4228-888X
Luiza Carolina Miranda Garcia Federal University of Santa Catarina https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5250-4633
Andréa Sabedra Bordin Federal University of Santa Catarina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4133-642X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2026.7286

Keywords:

Female Leadership, IT Organizations, Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Gender inequality remains pronounced in management and leadership positions within the field of Information Technology. This study aims to understand the phenomenon of women’s leadership in IT by examining the career trajectories, challenges, strategies for overcoming barriers, and motivations of women who occupy management and leadership roles. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study draws on in-depth interviews with five women leaders to explore the essence of their lived experiences. The findings reveal common experiential patterns related to pathways to leadership, challenges encountered both along the career trajectory and while occupying leadership positions, and the strategies employed to navigate these contexts. By providing an experience-centered understanding of women’s leadership in IT, this study contributes to the literature on gender and leadership while also offering insights into the organizational and human factors that shape technology organizations and their socio-technical environments. These findings may inform organizational practices aimed at fostering more inclusive and sustainable leadership in the IT sector.

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