This paper examines the challenges that hinder women's progression into leadership roles, focusing on societal, organizational, and individual barriers. The study was conducted in Lusaka district, Zambia, involving 61 respondents from 6 organizations, including 3 private and 3 government institutions. Key barriers identified include implicit biases, gender stereotypes, and systemic inequalities that limit women's access to leadership opportunities. Societal norms and cultural expectations often reinforce gender stereotypes, creating systemic hurdles for women. Organizational structures, such as gender bias in hiring and promotion, and workplace discrimination, further exacerbate these barriers. Women often face unequal opportunities for advancement, including limited access to high-profile projects and sponsorship from senior leaders. The study highlights the need for awareness, diversity and inclusion initiatives, equitable hiring practices, and supportive workplace cultures to dismantle these barriers. Recommendations include implementing policies that promote gender equality, fostering inclusive environments, and challenging existing biases to create more equitable leadership opportunities for women. The research underscores the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to achieve gender parity in leadership roles.This paper examines the challenges that hinder women's progression into leadership roles, focusing on societal, organizational, and individual barriers. The study was conducted in Lusaka district, Zambia, involving 61 respondents from 6 organizations, including 3 private and 3 government institutions. Key barriers identified include implicit biases, gender stereotypes, and systemic inequalities that limit women's access to leadership opportunities. Societal norms and cultural expectations often reinforce gender stereotypes, creating systemic hurdles for women. Organizational structures, such as gender bias in hiring and promotion, and workplace discrimination, further exacerbate these barriers. Women often face unequal opportunities for advancement, including limited access to high-profile projects and sponsorship from senior leaders. The study highlights the need for awareness, diversity and inclusion initiatives, equitable hiring practices, and supportive workplace cultures to dismantle these barriers. Recommendations include implementing policies that promote gender equality, fostering inclusive environments, and challenging existing biases to create more equitable leadership opportunities for women. The research underscores the importance of addressing systemic inequalities to achieve gender parity in leadership roles.