This study examines the dynamics of women's bureaucratic leadership amid political polarization in the Philippines through a systematic literature review of recent global and local research. Findings show that while women's representation in bureaucratic leadership has increased, it remains concentrated in traditionally feminized sectors such as health, education, and welfare, with limited access to high-prestige and resourcerich agencies. Organizational mechanisms constrain women's substantive authority, and political polarization intensifies challenges by politicizing appointments and exposing women to gendered disinformation and legitimacy crises. Public perceptions reinforce stereotypes that limit women's leadership credibility, while crisis governance offers both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Significant research gaps persist in the Philippine context. Most studies focus on descriptive representation without analyzing how leadership translates to substantive policy influence. Political polarization’s impact on women's bureaucratic roles remains underexplored, particularly its effects on appointments, perceptions, and influence opportunities. Intersectionality regarding region, ethnicity, and class and the temporal shifts in polarization during election cycles and crises also lack thorough investigation. Addressing these gaps is essential for understanding how women leaders navigate bureaucratic authority amid political and institutional turbulence. This review calls for future empirical studies incorporating primary data and intersectional, longitudinal analyses to deepen insights into women’s leadership experiences and institutional impact during polarized governance. Such research is critical for advancing gender-inclusive reforms that expand substantive authority and safeguard women leaders in the Philippine bureaucracy.

Keywords: bureaucratic leadership, political polarization, Philippines bureaucracy, descriptive vs. substantive representation, intersectionality, gendered disinformation, public perceptions