Like management or many other qualities, leadership is one of those qualities. We can say one of those concepts that we have the inherent capacity to recognize but lack in defining it.
Leadership is the quality that one built over time; it’s an attitude, it’s about taking ownership to create a better outcome. Leadership shouldn’t be based on gender as it’s an individual trait. But in this male-dominated society, there are many instances where men are preferred over women for leadership, be it of any kind.
Recently on International Women’s Day, we saw many women sharing their experiences about how they still struggle to be successful, reflecting how far we are from gender equality.
According to Global Gender Report 2020, it will take 99.5 years to achieve full parity between men and women at the current rate of change, which I think is not substantial.
Women still face leadership challenges all over the world to become successful like:
- To be treated equally: This is the most important challenge that women face at their workplaces.
- Choose between work and family: Married women are often made to choose whether to take care of their home and family or do the work, which often results in choosing the former.
- Inability to internalize their abilities: Women should first know about their capacities and accomplishments and then only go to other leaders to rectify them.
- Fear of taking risks: Women are less confident about their decisions and thus are more cautious about risk than men.
- Fight the gender stereotypes: Many surveys tell that most people think men are more capable of leading a professional sports team or being CEO of a company. But it’s only women who can change these types of mind-sets by taking more responsibility.
Top Female leadership challenges to overcome:
- Failing to accept yourself: women tend to lose their own self-respect by doubting themselves. It’s not about who is saying what about you, but it’s about how you’re operating the world. It would help if you looked at yourself closely, what is bothering you, make your self-esteem low, and try to regain it.
- Inadequacy to speak up or stand up for yourself: not advocating for yourself in fear of criticism is another major challenge that female face. Communication is the key, and so you should be brave enough to speak what’s on your mind and what do you feel, irrespective of what anyone will think.
- Glass ceiling: This barrier prevents a woman from moving up the hierarchies in workplaces as there is a perception that leadership is invariably a male prerogative. This can be overcome by supporting sexual harassment survivors, recognizing deserving women, and, most importantly, treating them equally to male colleagues.
Advantages of Female Leadership
- Unifying different groups: women are often regarded as a pillar of any family, and that’s what they apply in their workplace too by unifying diverse groups, successfully leading them, and ultimately reach their goal; this is one of the prime advantages of female leadership.
- Good listeners: how can we not mention this if we are talking about female leadership‘s advantages? Women are more patient and good at listening to others, resulting in effective communication. That’s what a good leader should be a good speaker but a better listener.
- Value accountability: A good leader never blame any individual for any loss rather shoulders the responsibility on himself/herself. And women are the ones who value accountability the most.
The best way to bridge the gap between males and females is to recognize their potential, allow them to prove themselves, and change the narrative on women in leadership. Also, women should always remember, they are powerful, and their voice matters.
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