glass ceiling

noun2

1. •
   An unrecognized or unwritten barrier to further progression or promotion, in employment and elsewhere, for a member of a specific demographic group (originally women).

   • "Has the glass ceiling shattered?" said Bakari Sellers, a political ally of [Kamala] Harris. "No, but it does have another crack." — 2021
2. •
   (figurative) A barrier to progression that is not obvious.

   • After several spirited assaults, the FT SE's 3200 glass ceiling finally gave way yesterday, allowing the index to close sharply higher after a day of drifting. — 1994