The “Chiredzi conundrum” how gendered networking and sponsorship gap limit women’s advancement in Zimbabwe corporate setting.

Abstract

This research explored at how the sponsorship gap and gendered networking practices prevent women from rising to leadership roles in corporate organisations in Zimbabwe's Chiredzi District. Three goals drove the study: to determine the structural, organisational, and cultural barriers that keep women out of powerful professional networks and sponsorship relationships; to examine how gendered networking practices impact women's career advancement; and to evaluate how the sponsorship gap affects women's access to leadership opportunities. The study combined qualitative and quantitative techniques using a clarifying sequential mixed-methods research design and a pragmatic research paradigm. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative and standardised information, and semi-structured interviews and open-ended answers were used to acquire qualitative data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, namely frequencies and percentages, while qualitative responses were interpreted using theme analysis. The findings revealed that gendered networking practices negatively affect women’s advancement because many influential networks are male-dominated, informal and difficult for women to access. Limited professional networks were identified by 83% of participants as a major barrier, while male-dominated leadership was identified by 90% as a key factor restricting women’s visibility and promotion opportunities. The study also found that the sponsorship gap limits women’s access to leadership because many women lack mentors and senior sponsors who can actively recommend them for promotion, strategic assignments and decision-making roles. Structural, organisational and cultural barriers, including gender stereotypes, patriarchal expectations, family responsibilities, and limited educational opportunities, were also found to hinder women’s leadership development. Gender stereotypes were reported by 87% of participants, while cultural expectations were reported by 80%. The study concluded that women’s under-representation in leadership in Chiredzi District is mainly caused by organisational and societal inequalities rather than women’s lack of ability, ambition, or qualifications. It recommended that organisations introduce formal mentorship and sponsorship programmes for women and adopt gender-inclusive policies that promote fair access to leadership development, professional networks, education and promotion opportunities