Workforce Inclusion and the Glass Cliff: Women’s Leadership Experience in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper draws on my doctoral research exploring the lived experiences of senior women leaders in
Nigeria, particularly how they navigate the “glass cliff”—a phenomenon where women are appointed
to senior leadership positions during periods of heightened risk—highlighting how gendered power
structures and institutional inequities shape leadership trajectories. The study adopts a qualitative,
critical theoretical approach, drawing on in-depth interviews with senior women leaders across public
and corporate sectors. Thematic analysis was applied to capture lived experiences, leadership
strategies, and institutional responses. Findings reveal that women leaders frequently face unstable
mandates, limited structural support, and heightened scrutiny, yet deploy adaptive leadership,
informal mentoring, and network-building to drive reform. These strategies challenge entrenched
norms but remain constrained by systemic barriers. This research advances understanding of
gendered leadership in high-stakes contexts and offers a framework for building equitable governance
systems. Recommendations include reforming leadership appointment processes, embedding
mentorship pipelines, and integrating gender equity into digital and green economy transition
policies.