Glass ceilings, glass cliffs or new worlds?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set out some contextual issues in relation to the achievements of women accountants and academics. Design/methodology/approach – This is a discussion paper that uses academic and professional experiences as a basis from which to draw out an agenda for further study. Findings – It is found that, despite changes over the last 30 years, the lived experience of women in accounting and academia is evidence that their academic and professional opportunities are still constrained. Two papers in this special issue offer feminist approaches to enrich study in the area, and it is argued that gender is an element that should be embedded in research in accounting. Research limitations/implications – This editorial is a selective review and is not intended as a comprehensive review of research in the field. Practical implications – The paper seeks to re‐ignite more research in the field, using a richer range of approaches. Originality/value – The paper sets an agenda for research and provides an argument as to why the agenda needs to be pursued.