Gender, age and other intersections in Estonian women’s leadership experiences

Abstract: This is qualitative study on how gender, age and other factors influence leadership experiences of a mixed sample of women from different sectors and from different age groups in Estonia. An intersectional framework is used to challenge universalist or gender-neutral assumptions about leadership and to examine the multi-layered issues and challenges these women face in their pursuit of leadership success. My thesis will explore the individual agency and various strategies and paths to success these women have taken in order to overcome obstacles in their career, for example how they have disrupted sexism and ageism in the construction of their leadership. The stories of these women are important on their own and because the society is changing and more opportunities for women to ascend to leadership roles in organizations will become prevalent.