OVER a third of women believe that gender remains a barrier to career progression, new damning research shows. 

Household responsibilities, confidence issues and workplace culture are some of the challenges holding women back from getting top jobs, according to a study. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves admitted the UK has “work to do” to tackle gender equality but doing so would boost her mission to get economic growth.

She added: “We must break down the barriers that stop many women being represented in leadership roles, so that top talent reaches the highest levels of leadership in businesses driving the economic growth and innovation our country needs to succeed.”

While men and women are both reported having similar career ambitions, the Vodafone study showed women felt more likely to be held back by lack of flexibility, workplace culture, responsibilities outside of work, and lack of dedicated training time.  

Some 15 per cent of women said household responsibilities hold them back at work compared to 8 per cent of men. 

And nearly a quarter said a lack of self-confidence prevents them from advancing.

The findings, which come days before International Women’s Day this Saturday, also expose a cycle where the lack of women in leadership roles discourages female workers. 

Over half of women say the presence of female leaders influences where they choose to work.

“Women need senior role models to help feel inspired and supported in their own career progression,” said Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs & sustainability officer vodafone UK.