Five reasons the world needs more women in leadership roles
Let’s face it, women have been battling it against the odds forever, especially in the workplace. In this article we aim to shine a light on the importance of female leadership and tackle the barriers to success head-on.
It’s a tale as old as time – women are unfairly undervalued in society, and in the workplace. Despite tremendous progress in recent years, there’s still a lingering misogyny that hinders women’s advancement in various industries. In this post, we aim to shine a spotlight on the importance of female leadership and why it’s crucial to recognise and address the challenges women face in achieving success.
Five challenges women face in their career advancement
- Gender bias
Despite equal qualifications, women are often overlooked for leadership positions in favour of their male counterparts. - Microaggressions and workplace discrimination
Women often receive subtle forms of discrimination and harassment in the workplace, undermining their confidence and sense of belonging. - Lack of representation
The lack of female role models and mentors in leadership positions can be off-putting for aspiring women. - Gender pay gap
Women continue to earn less than men for carrying out the same work, which unfairly limits their financial independence in a costly world. - Work-life balance struggles
Unfortunately, and more often than not, society still expects women to bear the brunt of household and childcare responsibilities, making it challenging to pursue career advancement.
Five reasons why we need to encourage more women to take on leadership roles
- Diverse perspectives drive innovation
Research shows that diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making and overall success. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, pushing boundaries and driving innovation. - Empathy and emotional intelligence
Women are often praised for their empathy and emotional intelligence.Being ‘in touch with your feelings’ is a stereotype applied to women which can be harmful, as for one it doesn’t apply to all women, and also it can minimise women’s ability to think rationally and logically. Nevertheless, high emotional intelligence is an essential quality for good leadership. The ability to connect with others on a deeper level encourages trust and openness, all contributing to employee satisfaction. - Resilience and perseverance
Women pursuing career advancement such as leadership have not enjoyed the same advantages that men do – and this is multiplied for women who are marginalised in other ways too, such as having a disability. Therefore those who get into leadership will have faced many obstacles (including the challenges listed above), and have had to persevere through them to pursue their goals. This resilience often translates into greater determination, inner strength, and clarity that can bolster their role as a leader. - Inclusive leadership style
Women tend to adopt a more inclusive leadership style, valuing input from all team members and creating a supportive work environment. This collaborative approach promotes diversity and inclusion, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention. - Role models for future generations
By breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, female leaders inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams and strive for leadership roles. Their success paves the way for greater equality and empowerment overall in the workplace.
Empowering women on International Women’s Day
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, let’s continue our commitment to empowering women and promoting equality. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and make a difference. Let’s support and uplift each other as we march head-on towards a more inclusive future!
Read more on achieving diversity and inclusivity in the workplace: Diversity and inclusion: explained | How to create a workplace where women thrive | Supporting LGBTQ+ mental health |
