Quebrando barreiras: experiências de inclusão de mulheres líderes no setor bancário

Abstract

In the banking sector, the development of female leadership has faced challenges stemming from gender inequalities manifested through organizational, cultural, and symbolic barriers, limiting access, retention, and the consolidation of women's professional careers. In this sense, this research aims to examine the inclusion policies and practices implemented by Banco do Nordeste do Brasil and their effects on the career paths of female leaders and their professional advancement. The research is exploratory in nature, employing documentary procedures and field research, and a qualitative approach. Data were collected through secondary sources (institutional documents) and primary sources (conducting a focus group with women in management positions). The data were analyzed using the content analysis method proposed by Bardin. The results show that, although there are advances in diversity and inclusion policies, organizational and cultural barriers persist that hinder women's access, retention, and growth in strategic positions, especially those related to organizational culture, work-life balance, and the recognition of female leadership. As a main contribution, this study broadens the understanding of the effectiveness of gender equity policies in organizations and offers support for improving institutional practices aimed at inclusion and equal opportunities in the banking sector.