Unveiling Women's Leadership Status in the Corporate Realms in SADC states: Extracting Vital Lessons
Faugoo, Deepika

Abstract
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a Regional Economic Development inter-governmental organisation that comprises 16 Member States. The SADC protocol on Gender and Development is geared towards eliminating discrimination and achieving gender equality and equity through development and implementation of gender responsive legislation, policies, programs and projects. Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, this protocol ambitiously aimed for 50% female representation in decision-making roles by 2015. A vision thwarted, as only four SADC nations reached the 30% mark, exposing a stark gender chasm in corporate leadership. This study investigates the status of women’s leadership in the corporate realms such as private enterprises, state-owned entities, and parastatals across SADC states. This empirical analysis based on secondary data primarily the Gender and Development monitor (2022) and other reports that unveil an acute dearth of women in top positions across all the sectors. There are several challenges that women face – the impenetrable glass ceiling, sticky floors of gender bias, and the weight of domestic responsibilities borne disproportionately by women. The findings highlight a vivid picture of a struggle against patriarchal norms, prejudice, and safety concerns, highlighting the urgent need for extensive research in this vital domain. The lessons learnt from the SADC countries echo as a call to action, resonating globally, urging societies to dismantle barriers, fostering a world where gender is not a limitation but a source of strength.

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