The Struggle is Real

Challenges Women Leaders Face in Startups, Business, and Nonprofits—and How to Overcome Them

Women in leadership roles across startups, corporations, and nonprofits are making remarkable strides, but they often encounter unique obstacles along the way. From navigating biases to seeking financial support, women leaders face systemic and cultural challenges that can hinder their success and fulfillment. Let’s take a look at some of the key challenges and share some data that highlights the ongoing struggle—and the efforts needed to create a more equitable landscape.

1. Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles

Women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of leadership, particularly in corporations and large nonprofits. In 2023, women held only 29.2% of senior-level positions in S&P 500 companies, and only 8.2% of CEO roles. The nonprofit sector, while more inclusive, also reflects this trend: despite women comprising a large portion of the nonprofit workforce, only around 45% of CEO roles are held by women, with this number decreasing for organizations with larger budgets. These numbers underscore the importance of fostering a pipeline that supports women’s growth to the highest levels of leadership.

2. Access to Capital and Funding Gaps

One of the most pressing challenges for women leaders in startups is the gender gap in access to capital. In 2022, startups founded solely by women received just 2.3% of total venture capital funding in the U.S., showing a persistent funding disparity. This gap restricts opportunities for growth, innovation, and even survival in a competitive market, forcing many women founders to bootstrap their businesses or rely on alternative funding sources. Increasing access to capital and establishing investor networks that actively support women founders can help bridge this gap.

3. Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities

Work-life balance is crucial for any leader, but for women, the burden of balancing professional responsibilities with family life can be particularly challenging. Studies reveal that 41% of fathers work in a hybrid model (splitting time between home and office), compared to just 30% of mothers, pointing to a disparity in flexible work opportunities. Addressing these discrepancies through policies that prioritize flexibility and parental support can alleviate some of the pressures women face in managing multiple roles.

4. Gender Stereotypes and Biases

Despite progress, biases and stereotypes about women’s leadership abilities persist. Studies show that women are often held to higher standards than men in leadership and face additional scrutiny. In a recent study, 43% of respondents believed that businesses aren’t ready to hire women for top executive positions, revealing an underlying bias that hinders women’s advancement. Challenging and dismantling these biases through diversity and inclusion training and awareness programs can create a more supportive environment for women leaders.

5. Mentorship and Support Networks

Support from mentors and sponsors can be essential for career growth, yet women often face barriers in accessing these resources. A lack of mentorship and sponsorship opportunities can leave women feeling isolated and unsupported in their leadership journey. Building structured mentorship programs and creating supportive networks specifically geared toward women leaders can play a key role in closing this gap.

6. Cultural Barriers and the Glass Cliff Phenomenon

Many women leaders face a "glass cliff," where they are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions during times of crisis, setting them up for potential failure. This phenomenon not only places undue pressure on women leaders but also reinforces stereotypes that women are unsuited for long-term success in leadership roles. Shifting this narrative involves building supportive organizational cultures that value women’s leadership styles in times of stability and growth—not only in times of crisis.

7. Pay Disparity

Pay inequality is a persistent challenge, impacting women’s financial security and job satisfaction. As of 2023, women earn only 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, which can contribute to feelings of being undervalued and overlooked. Addressing this disparity through transparent pay structures and regular salary audits can promote equity and empower women to feel valued and motivated.

8. Representation in Political Leadership

Although women’s representation in political leadership has made strides, the numbers still reflect underrepresentation. As of 2025, a record 13 women will serve as state governors in the U.S., a milestone that underscores progress but also the long road ahead toward true gender equity in political leadership. Representation matters—not only as a symbol of progress but also as a way to enact policies that support other women leaders in their respective sectors.

Building a Better Future for Women Leaders

The challenges women face in leadership roles across industries are real, but they are not insurmountable. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort not just to promote gender equity, but to redefine it.  We of course need provide equitable access to resources, and actively work to dismantle the biases and structures that hinder women’s advancement.  Its not just an issue of rising up to perform against men, its about helping women use the tools of masculine leadership while building structure to show the impact of feminine leadership qualities including ecosystem thinking, inclusivity, and bringing in the understanding of impact on our children  and the planet of our businesses and decisions. Through mentorship, supportive policies, and active advocacy, we can create a leadership landscape where women can thrive—not only for their benefit but for the benefit of society as a whole.

The journey toward equity for women in leadership roles continues, but as we tackle these challenges head-on, we can build a future where all leaders have the opportunity to achieve success and fulfillment. Let’s keep pushing for progress and celebrate the incredible contributions of women leaders in startups, businesses, nonprofits, and beyond.

*Note this article has content contributed from AI.