The concept of the glass ceiling has long been a term associated with the invisible barriers that prevent women and minorities from reaching the highest levels of success in their careers. The term was coined in 1978 by Marilyn Loden, who identified the social and structural obstacles that limit professional advancement, particularly for women(DomínguezMunllonch, 2023). While the glass ceiling was once seen as an insurmountable challenge, today, women are making strides in breaking it, but the journey is far from over.

Understanding the Glass Ceiling

The glass ceiling is a metaphorical term for the unseen barriers that restrict women and minorities from advancing in their careers, no matter how qualified or capable they are. These barriers are not based on education or skills but rather stem from gender biases, outdated stereotypes, workplace culture, and social expectations. In the professional world, these barriers often manifest as limited access to leadership roles, unequal pay for equal work, and systemic discrimination that inhibits career growth (DomínguezMunllonch, 2023).

Women have historically faced these challenges in various sectors, from corporate leadership and politics to entertainment and the sciences. However, as the fight for gender equality has gained momentum, women across industries have begun to chip away at these barriers.

Women in Leadership: A Changing Landscape

In recent years, there has been noticeable progress in the representation of women in leadership roles. In politics, women like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris have broken new ground. Clinton came close to shattering the highest glass ceiling in 2016 when she was nominated for president by a major political party. In 2020, Kamala Harris made history as the first female vice president of the United States, and she remains a symbol of possibility for future generations of women in politics. However, these achievements represent milestones, not the finish line. As of February 2025, women make up approximately 28% of the U.S. Congress, with this percentage holding steady since the previous Congress. This representation includes 26 women in the Senate, making up 26% of the 100 members, and 125 women in the House of Representatives, which accounts for 28% of the 435 members. Among these women, 16 serve in the Senate as Democrats, while 10 serve as Republicans. In the House, 96 Democratic women and 33 Republican women contribute to the total (Women serving in the 119th Congress, 2025). These figures highlight both the progress made and the continued efforts to increase gender diversity in U.S. political representation. Despite the growing number of women in Congress, there is still work to be done to reach gender parity, as women continue to push for more significant leadership roles in the nation's political system.

Breaking Barriers in Corporate America

In the corporate world, women have traditionally faced the glass ceiling in the form of discriminatory hiring practices, lower pay, and the "old boys' club" mentality that prioritizes male leadership. Yet, the rise of movements like #MeToo and Times Up has put a spotlight on gender inequality in the workplace, forcing companies to re-examine their practices (Baker College, 2025).

While women in executive roles are still a minority, some notable women have paved the way for others. Leaders like Karen Lynch, the CEO of CVS Health and Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, have shattered the glass ceiling in industries historically dominated by men. Their success stories have inspired other women to pursue top positions, with more and more women now sitting on corporate boards and leading major companies (Baker College, 2025).

However, women still face barriers in leadership. Research shows that women are often expected to work harder than their male counterparts to prove their capabilities. They are more likely to face criticism for the same behaviors that would be praised if exhibited by men, such as assertiveness or ambition. Furthermore, gender pay gaps remain persistent, with women, on average, earning less than their male counterparts for the same roles (Baker College, 2025).

The Road Ahead: Shattering the Ceiling Completely

Despite the progress made, the glass ceiling has not been shattered entirely. Women continue to face systemic challenges in achieving equality in the workplace and leadership roles. The path forward involves continuing to advocate for equal pay, better representation in decision-making positions, and work environments that value diversity and inclusion.

It also involves changing the way society views women’s leadership. Women can no longer be expected to conform to outdated notions of what leadership looks like. As women continue to rise in politics, business, and other sectors, the more visible their leadership becomes, the more the concept of the "glass ceiling" will be challenged and ultimately eliminated.

In the words of Sue Brookhouser, “Leadership means you’re always on. If you aren’t listening, watching, and asking, if that, then what?’ you’re missing opportunities to help others learn, missing opportunities to expand your thinking and theirs. Leadership is dynamic and sparks others to act. Leadership causes leadership… and leaders.”

By fostering an environment where leadership is non-gender-specific, we can make the world a place where the glass ceiling no longer exists for anyone, and women have equal access to opportunities and leadership roles. The journey is far from over, but with continued dedication, the ceiling will eventually break for good.

Mimi Gough mgough@purdueglobal.edu  

Julie Dort jdort@purdueglobal.edu