By Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche As women continue to rise in leadership positions, both in business and politics, the barriers we face often go beyond what is visible to the public eye. The strides toward gender equality in leadership roles are undeniably important, but the journey is not without immense, often invisible, challenges that can deter even the most ambitious women from stepping into these roles. While gender bias, unequal pay, and the double standard of leadership expectations are well-documented, there is another, more subtle challenge that few discuss: the daunting, often brutal nature of leadership itself. The cutthroat nature of business and politics, along with the toll it can take on personal life and reputation, is something many women feel forced to contend with—and sometimes, they choose to walk away.

In a world that frequently demands compromise, women in leadership positions must navigate a fine line between ambition and self-preservation. The truth is, the higher you go, the more the stakes rise. Business and political environments can often feel like war zones—ruthless, unforgiving, and marked by intense scrutiny. The very qualities that might have propelled a woman to success in the first place—her confidence, intellect, and drive—can quickly become weapons used against her, as rivals and critics seek to tear down anyone in their way.

The sheer level of nastiness in these spaces—backstabbing, public criticism, and unrelenting pressure—can be overwhelming. For women, who are often judged not only for their performance but also for their demeanor, personal lives, and appearance, the risks are compounded. The desire to protect one’s reputation, dignity, and mental health can be a significant deterrent. For many women, it is easier to stay in the background, where they can exert influence in quieter, less controversial ways, rather than take on the public and personal strain that comes with public leadership.

In many ways, it seems far simpler to focus on one’s family, look after the children, and avoid the ugly nature of high-profile leadership roles. These are not easy decisions; they are a matter of balancing personal and professional priorities. The question many women face—should I risk my reputation, my privacy, my family’s well-being for the opportunity to lead—is a deeply personal one. The pressures that come with leadership roles can be all-consuming, and for those women who decide to step back, it can feel as though they are choosing peace over power. This choice is often viewed through a narrow lens, as if stepping back from public leadership is a sign of weakness or lack of ambition. However, it is, in many cases, an act of strength—an acknowledgment that some things are more important than public recognition and power.

The truth is, none of these decisions are easy, there is always a sacrifice that must be made. Nothing truly memorable or worthwhile is ever achieved from a position of ease. Women, in particular, have been historically held to higher standards- professionally and personally-, where any mistake or misstep can lead to a disproportionate loss of credibility. We are often expected to be perfect—perfect leaders, perfect mothers, perfect wives—all at the same time. And if we fail to meet these expectations, we are judged harshly for it. The emotional toll of being constantly on guard, of managing not only your own success but also the perception of your success, can be draining and destabilising.

Despite these challenges, women continue to step into leadership roles, knowing full well they have a lot to offer. For some, the desire to leave a legacy, to make a difference, or to break barriers for the next generation outweighs the risks. For others, the question becomes whether the personal cost is worth it. And, in truth, that is one of the hardest decisions a woman leader must make: Will the rewards of leadership—career fulfilment, influence, societal change—justify the sacrifices made along the way?

The real unseen challenge for women leaders, then, is not just about dealing with the overt barriers of sexism but confronting the darker, more difficult realities of leadership itself: the cutthroat competition, the potential for failure, the loss of privacy, and the never-ending scrutiny. The choice to lead, to fight for visibility in these spaces, is often fraught with personal sacrifices. For every woman who climbs the ladder, there are many more who choose to stay behind, to preserve their peace and family life, rather than risk everything for the chance at a fleeting, sometimes unforgiving, position of power. The battle is not always about capability; it’s about whether the price of leadership is too high to pay.

Ultimately, the invisible challenges that women face in leadership are a reflection of a broader, societal dilemma: Can we truly achieve greatness without paying a heavy price? And more importantly, are we ready to acknowledge the costs involved in breaking barriers, especially for women who have long been excluded from the very leadership roles that demand such sacrifices?

Ogwuche is an award-winning media and development consultant, strategic communications specialist, and real estate investor. She is the founder and CEO of TOS TV Network, a Pan-African media platform, and co-founder of NatSu Global Investment, a real estate firm with assets across West Africa.

A globally trained leader, Osasu studied at Harvard, Oxford, and the New York Film Academy, earning degrees in Communication Studies from Stonehill College and Northeastern University. She has led high-level engagements with African leaders and founded The Osasu Show Symposium to address key issues affecting Africans, especially the girl child.

Recognized for inspiring women in media, she has received numerous leadership awards, including the DAAR Young Achiever Award (2018) and Social Media for Social Good Award (2019). She has also been trained by the UN, Ford Foundation, and the European Center for Electoral Support.

Appointed by INEC in 2019 as a media ambassador for free and fair elections, Osasu is also a dedicated humanitarian, supporting girls’ education in Nigeria through her TOS Foundation. She holds a chieftaincy title in Abia State as Nne Odum 1 of Isiala Uku Mbato.

She is married and blessed with a son and a daughter.