The term "glass ceiling" denotes an unseen obstacle obstructing the upward progression ofwomen within the corporate hierarchy. Numerous prior studies consistently highlight howwomen encounter obstacles in attaining high-ranking positions due to corporate cultures andinsufficientsupportstructureshinderingtheircareeradvancement.Nevertheless,thereappearsto be a shift in this trend over time. Organizations that prioritize the developmental aspects off emaleemployees, acknowledge their competencies ,and fosteraninclusiveenvironmenthavedemonstrated greater success. Recognizing that development is a gradual process, this paperconducts a systematic literature review to scrutinize the challenges impeding women fromattaining leadership roles and to comprehend its implications for organizational development.The study relies on secondary data extracted from research papers spanning the past threedecades. The paper's analysis centers on four major factors: socio-cultural, organizational, governmental, and psychological barriersassociated with the glass ceiling effect