In the hallowed halls of leadership, where the peaks of power converge with the pathways of influence, there stands an ineffable presence, often disregarded yet profoundly transformative: the woman in command, the leader.
However, it remains unclear why women have historically been less common as leaders across various cultures and eras.
It’s the 21st century, and women’s leadership remains a work in progress compared to men’s leadership positions across multiple sectors and nations.
As of 2023, only 15 countries were led by women, according to Statista.
The sobering truth remains: the tally of women in such positions has never surpassed 17 in a year.
So, amidst the clamor of progress and the whispers of tradition, women must seek the answer: how should a woman leader be and achieve leadership across various dimensions?
As women leaders, it’s indispensable that we make space for women in society by developing a growth mindset and promoting acceptance of women’s capabilities and contributions.
How can women embrace our genuine selves as leaders and drive market changes by advocating for gender equality and amplifying our voices globally?
The key is to express oneself and embrace womanhood’s distinct qualities authentically.
To understand what makes a woman a leader, we must recognize the diverse aspects of being human first and being a woman consistently.
Leadership for women is not just one thing but a blend of empathy, resilience, intuition, and compassion.
In the cutthroat world of leadership, these attributes, often misinterpreted as weaknesses, form the bedrock upon which respectable leaders build their foundation.
A woman leader, deeply attuned to human emotion, cultivates inclusivity and collaboration within her team.
Through empathy, women leaders resolve conflicts and harmonize diverse voices into a collective pursuit.
Drawing on her resilience, she navigates turbulent waters gracefully, emerging stronger with each trial. Guided by intuition, she navigates uncertainty with instinctive wisdom, steering toward promising paths.
In a collaborative spirit with compassion, she works alongside the marginalized, championing causes that resonate with a collective conscience.
Through acts of kindness, she forges bonds of trust and loyalty, etching a legacy beyond the confines of time.
Nevertheless, women shouldn’t allow narrow stereotypes of womanhood to confine us.
We must actively shatter these barriers and embrace our true selves, harnessing the unique blend of human intelligence and emotions that we inherently possess.
Being a leader isn’t about conforming to predefined notions but embracing our multifaceted identities and leveraging our distinctive qualities to make a difference.
Women can be feminine and masculine trailblazer leaders; all that matters is tapping into our innate strengths to drive meaningful change.
It’s about recognizing that being a leader doesn’t negate our humanity but amplifies it, allowing us to lead authentically and purposefully.
It is imperative to embrace individuality, break free from societal constraints, and blaze a trail reflecting the full spectrum of who we are as women and leaders.
Remember that intelligence and expertise know no bounds of gender or age.
The onus lies upon women leaders to increase our visibility, ensuring that our contributions are recognized and acknowledged.
Yet, this visibility must be cultivated with humility and authenticity, rising above self-promotion to become a source of inspiration and guidance for others, thereby creating opportunities for fellow women.
But women seeing themselves as a legend isn’t the goal, either. It’s about making a tangible impact in our chosen industries.
Establishing professional networks, seeking mentorship from experienced leaders, and actively participating in women’s leadership programs enable women to build connections, gain insights, and access career opportunities.
While connecting with people on a human level, authenticity, strategic thinking, and genuine expertise are the qualities that are sincerely valued.
Moreover, establishing a personal brand is equally crucial to effectively make a mark as a role model for other women in society.
The impact created by one woman leader will awaken the consciousness of many women and illuminate their potential.
As women leaders, it’s indispensable that we make space for women in society by developing a growth mindset and promoting acceptance of women’s capabilities and contributions.
Ensure that citizens in our countries, executives within our organizations, diverse members of our society, and loved ones in our families are informed about our achievements in a manner that is informative rather than boastful.
Integrating our leadership style into our brand can cultivate significant trust with our audience. While accomplishing tasks is crucial, the approach should be fueled by a fierce dedication to serving others. By doing so, we can ignite substantial change within our industry and rise to the stature of a respected leader without the need for explicit self-proclamation.
It is a beautiful blend of delicacy and determination, revealing strength beyond the fragility often associated with being a woman.
Therefore, as women, we should let our body language exude confidence, expanding with assertive gestures to bolster our self-assurance.
As women, we inherently possess the power and the capability to drive remarkable change and achievement.
Our strength is the power of collectivism, unity, and collaboration.
Women leaders must unite not only for personal gain but also for the advancement and success of womanhood.
Thus, women, let us establish our leadership goals with a broader perspective for the betterment of humankind and remain focused on achieving them without distractions. “Women: It’s high time to lead the charge!”
Networking and mentorship play pivotal roles in nurturing aspiring women leaders, offering guidance, support, and opportunities for advancement.
Establishing professional networks, seeking mentorship from experienced leaders, and actively participating in women’s leadership programs enable women to build connections, gain insights, and access career opportunities.
Still, for women’s leadership to truly stand out, leaders must acknowledge and address systemic barriers and biases in households, workplaces, and societies around the globe.
Additionally, despite progress in gender equality initiatives, women still encounter challenges such as unequal access to education and employment opportunities, wage disparities, and entrenched cultural norms that perpetuate gender stereotypes.
According to the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law 2022 report, around 2.4 billion working-age women don’t have the same economic opportunities as men.
Legal barriers in 178 countries prevent women from fully participating in the economy. In 86 countries, women encounter job restrictions, and in 95 countries, they don’t receive equal pay for equal work.
Therefore, as a leader and a woman, to overcome the barriers that prevent you from assuming leadership roles, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of education and advocating for gender equality.
Notwithstanding, we should amplify women’s voices globally, in government, offices, tribes, law enforcement, and among citizens.
Thus, women, let us establish our leadership goals with a broader perspective for the betterment of humankind and remain focused on achieving them without distractions. “Women: It’s high time to lead the charge!”
Comment