Leadership positions are undoubtedly challenging to attain for women, and unfortunately, women of color face additional barriers in achieving these positions. The gender and racial biases that exist in many workplaces create significant hurdles that must be overcome for women and women of color, to earn their way into positions where their talents and skills can be maximized for the good of the organization. While strides have been made in recent years to increase diversity in leadership positions, there is a long way to go. Unfortunately, that leadership positions are harder to earn for women of color reflects how society assigns (race and gender-based) value.

Organizations are often led by white men (and women) who hold unconscious biases that can negatively impact women of color. These biases can manifest in several ways, including exclusion from networks, lack of mentorship opportunities, and stereotypes about women of color’s competence.

In addition to these biases, women of color often face unique challenges in the workplace, such as microaggressions and discrimination, that can harm their career prospects. These challenges can make it harder for women of color to build the necessary skills and experience required for leadership positions.

Another factor that contributes to the difficulty of women of color earning leadership positions is the lack of representation. When women of color do not see individuals who look like them in leadership roles, it can be challenging to envision themselves in those positions. Additionally, without representation, it can be harder to find mentorship opportunities, which can be critical in developing the skills needed for leadership positions.

Lack of support systems also contributes to the difficulty women of color face earning leadership roles. Many organizations offer programs and resources that support the professional development of their employees. However, these programs are often not designed to address the unique challenges that women of color face in the workplace. As a result, women of color may not have access to the resources needed to develop their leadership skills and advance their careers.

Overall, it is crucial to recognize the systemic biases and barriers that make it harder for women of color to climb into leadership positions. Organizations must work towards creating more equitable workplaces by addressing these biases, promoting true inclusion practices that focus on eliminating systemic barriers for women of color, and offering support systems that address the unique challenges faced by women of color. By doing so, organizations can help create more opportunities for women of color to bring their talents to the leadership table.