Black Women in Leadership Face Multifaceted Discrimination

Discrimination Research Conducted by Prominent Organizations and Universities:

Black women in leadership face multifaceted discrimination that manifests in various ways. Here are some key findings from studies and research conducted by prominent organizations and universities:

A professional Black woman contemplating her two weeks' notice after years of discrimination in the workplace. Photo by Alekon pictures on Unsplash

1. Microaggressions and Competence Doubts: Black women experience a higher incidence of microaggressions and daily racism compared to other groups. They are often required to provide more evidence of their competence and are more likely to have their judgment questioned in their areas of expertise. ​Lean In & McKinsey & Company
2. Evaluation Bias: Under conditions of organizational failure, Black women are evaluated more negatively than their counterparts. This bias stems from perceptions of Black women as atypical leaders, leading to unfair judgments of their effectiveness. Gender Action Portal
3. Pay Discrepancies: Black women are significantly underpaid compared to their peers. On average, they earn 38% less than white men and 21% less than white women, contributing to substantial disparities in overall wealth. Lean In
4. Career Progression Barriers: A report from the Fawcett Society highlights that women of color, including…