Rol de la mujer y el liderazgo laboral

Abstract

This research conducted within the Honorable Provincial Government of Tungurahua offers a clear and revealing perspective on the role women play in the workplace, especially in leadership positions. Throughout the study, it became evident how many women have overcome stereotypes, inequalities, and historical obstacles to become leaders within the institution. As Virginia Woolf (2010) stated, for centuries women were taught to see themselves through the eyes of men, but today many no longer accept that reflection—they see themselves as protagonists of their own path, even in spaces where they were previously overlooked. A mixed-methods approach was used for this study. First, the quantitative method was applied through surveys administered to 102 administrative and operational staff members of the Provincial Government, which provided concrete data about the workplace reality and perceptions regarding female participation in the institution. Secondly, the qualitative approach was developed through life histories of women who have held high-level positions in the province, enabling an in-depth analysis of their personal and professional experiences as well as the identification of key challenges and achievements throughout their careers. Among the main findings, it was discovered that although women have managed to secure positions of responsibility, barriers persist that hinder equal representation, as men continue to access leadership roles in greater numbers. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen institutional policies that guarantee inclusion and gender equity. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that female leadership within the Provincial Government of Tungurahua is not a matter of chance, but the result of effort, training, and the ongoing commitment of many women who, day by day, contribute to transforming public management toward a more just, inclusive, and representative institution.