Abstract

Presently, in Lesotho women form a larger percentage of the workforce as compared to the previous years. Even though, there seems to be several factors, which affect their progress up the corporate ladder. The purpose of this research was to examine factors that affect career advancement of women; to determine the cause of under-representation of women in top management positions and their reluctance to advance their careers; to identify whether selected biographical characteristics such as age, mentorship and marital status play a role in career advancement; to propose a career advancement strategy; and to determine thechallenges that are faced by women in senior positions. To accomplish this aim, the two approaches of descriptive research, the secondary and historical approaches, were adopted. In addition, the questionnaires were distributed to women in senior positions at selected parastatals in Lesotho. Moreover, a method to conduct the research was carefully and logically planned and then implemented. Once the questionnaires were collected and the data analysed, conclusions were drawn and a range of recommendations were proposed based on the findings. The findings revealed that women continue to face significant obstacles to career advancement in their organisations.

Key words: Advancement, Coaching, C.O.S.C. (Matric), Constrain, Data, Double-bind theory, Glass ceiling, Lobola, Locus Standi Injudicio, Mentoring, Phenomenon, Sample, SPSS, Stereotype, Theory.