Sociocultural and Structural Barriers to the Integration of Women into Management Positions in Public Enterprises in East Africa: A Comparative Analysis of the DRC, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Kenya

This study examines the sociocultural and structural barriers that hinder women’s access to leadership positions in state-owned enterprises in five East African countries. Based on qualitative interviews with twelve representatives from political parties, humanitarian initiatives, and former professionals, and using text analysis software, the article identifies patriarchal norms, systemic biases, and institutional weaknesses as the main obstacles. The findings highlight gaps in policy implementation and systemic exclusion that impede women’s economic participation. The results indicate that structural barriers such as prejudice and controlled access through male networks are intentionally embedded in the systems. A consensus on patriarchal norms and institutional weaknesses makes change difficult. Women face economic exclusion at a rate of 71%, despite high levels of awareness. While resilience and innovation are present in 54% of women, significant systemic challenges remain, highlighting that empowerment also requires systemic changes.