Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of informal mentoring on the leadership development of women in leadership positions in Vietnamese universities. Methodology: This study was qualitative in nature; therefore, ethnographic design methodology was utilized to collect data. The data collection was performed in three stages: online survey, focus group, and individual interview questionnaires. The collected data were then coded by the researcher and investigated for key findings and emerging themes. Findings: Women in Vietnam maintain their traditional role and duties at home, while maintaining their career responsible at work. They are very clear in prioritizing their roles first as wives, mothers and homemakers, and then their positions at the institution. Their complaint was about not having enough time for themselves. Although the law has moved toward gender equality, inequalities still persist in practice and amount to barriers for women's career advancement. Women in the sample did not have an understanding of mentoring and they mistook a role model, such as their father or sister for a mentor. Lack of mentoring is another barrier that hinders women's career advancement. Recommendations: This study should be replicated in different organizational structures and different countries to identify the most effective support system to overcome the gender inequalities. Comparing and contrasting men and women's career paths and their mentoring opportunities and structures will facilitate the development of mentoring policies and practices that will help support all individuals in achieving their career goals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]