Women Leading Change in International Development- Practical ways women can strengthen their careers

Women across the international development sector are driving transformative change in some of the world’s most complex and demanding environments — from humanitarian response and public health to education, policy, and peacebuilding. Yet despite their impact, many still face systemic barriers to leadership, visibility, and career progression. As the sector evolves, breaking the glass ceiling is not just a matter of equity — it is essential to building stronger, more inclusive, and more effective global development systems. In this article, I unpack the persistent challenges women face in advancing their careers and share practical strategies to help women build influence, expand opportunities, and step boldly into leadership roles.