Women in it Sectors: Navigating the Glass Ceiling’s Impact On Mental Health and Job Satisfaction- A Study

Abstract

The Information Technology sector has historically been male dominated, presenting considerable barriers for women in terms of both entry level and career advancement. Despite ongoing efforts to foster diversity and integration, women in IT continue to encounter the "glass ceiling" an invisible yet powerful obstacle hindering their career progression and gender inequalities. These challenges extend ahead of professional limitations, impacting women's mental health and job satisfaction. This study examines the effects of the glass ceiling on the mental well being and job satisfaction of women in the IT sector. Data was gathered through a questionnaire administered to 270 women working in IT roles, employing a random sampling technique and descriptive statistics for analysis. Key factors such asRacial Bias and racial bias, Unequal pay, lock of recognition, work life balance, social connectivity and mentor support were identified through factor analysis. Regression analysis further assessed the extent of these impacts. The findings reveal that women in IT face significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, emotional imbalance, and burnout, all of which negatively influence job satisfaction. The results emphasize the need for organizations to adopt targeted interventions that promote diversity, support mental health, reduce stress, and improve job satisfaction for women in the IT sector.