https://matjournals.net/engineering/index.php/JWEBM/issue/feed 2026-06-15T08:21:17+00:00 Open Journal Systems https://matjournals.net/engineering/index.php/JWEBM/article/view/3717 2026-06-15T08:21:17+00:00 M. R. M. I. P. Gunawardena anuruddikakumudu@sjp.ac.lk A. K. K. R. Jayathilaka anuruddikakumudu@sjp.ac.lk

<p><em>Women’s participation in the workforce has increased significantly over the past decades; however, their representation in leadership positions remains comparatively low. This study examines the role of women leadership within the banking sector, critically analyzing the factors influencing their career progression. The research adopts a qualitative case study approach, conducted at Nova Trust Bank – City Branch in Sri Lanka. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight key organizational informants representing distinct administrative and operational tiers, selected via a purposive sampling technique. Utilizing Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase framework for thematic analysis, the empirical data were systematically analyzed and mapped into a thematic matrix. The findings reveal that women leaders are predominantly characterized by participative and relationship-oriented leadership styles, which contribute positively to employee engagement and workplace harmony, though their authority remains continuously negotiated against masculinized leadership constructs. However, women face significant barriers, including gender stereotypes, subtle workplace resistance, asymmetric domestic care demands, and gatekept senior administrative tiers, resulting in prolonged career stagnation. The study also highlights the strategies women employ to navigate these barriers, such as developing professional competence and building psychological resilience. The research contributes to the understanding of gender and leadership within the South Asian and Sri Lankan banking context by providing empirical insights from an organizational setting. It highlights the need for organizations to implement inclusive policies, leadership development programs, and supportive workplace practices to move beyond relying on individual resilience toward achieving substantive gender equality.</em></p>

2026-06-15T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Women Entrepreneurship & Business Management (e-ISSN: 2583-8210)