The Broken Rung: Visibility and Support for Women in STEM - 045

Lunch with Leaders: Influence Extraordinary Authentic Women in STEM Careers for Empowerment · May 11, 2026 · 24m

Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya explores the systemic barriers that prevent women in STEM from advancing into leadership roles. Citing the 2025 McKinsey Women in the Workplace report, she highlights the "broken rung", a critical missed first step to management where only 93% of women (and 74% of women of color) are promoted for every 100 men.

Adaeze actively disputes the report's suggestion of an "ambition gap," arguing instead that the root cause of this disparity is a lack of sponsorship and equal support. She also explains how women often carry an "invisible tax"—performing unrewarded…