DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 15 -- FOR years, efforts to advance womens leadership have focused on getting more women into decision-making positions. But a different question is gaining importance: what happens after they get there? Women may reach senior positions only to encounter workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, unequal family responsibilities and limited opportunities for promotion.

Others complete their terms in elective office and leave public life, taking valuable experience with them. Addressing these barriers requires more than leadership training or targets for womens representation. It calls for institutions to change how they recruit, promote, support and retain women, while finding ways to continue using their experience ...