Women and Leadership - Essay Example

Women and Leadership For the last few decades, women across the globe have been battling for equality with their male counterparts, who often assume that it is their right to be at the top. However, despite the time being taken to fight this battle, it is far from over as key leadership positions are still being filled by men. Women are underrepresented in some of even basic positions, for example, welfares that advocate for women empowerment and equality. Men continue to dominate some of the major institutions present in the world today, with a popular saying that emanates from the above like, ‘behind every successful man, there is a woman.’ Such sayings only serve to remind people that it is a male dominated world (Klenke 123), and that it will not come easy. This paper will examine some of the crucial aspects behind women and leadership, and why it is crucial for the leadership gap to be reduced, especially in these changing times. Women are generally considered to be the weaker sex, when compared to their male counterparts. Some of the characteristics that distinguish women from men include their assertive and persuasive natures. This may make them take risks that men would not otherwise take when in a leadership position. Some may take this as a sign that a woman leader may be reckless in her judgment, hence making her a poor leader. This is often attributed to the fact that women tend to work harder while in these positions, and against the status quo present in society (Martin 97). Focus and determination often arise from such a fight, which may then determine her place in a male-dominated environment that is waiting for one moment to prove that women are indeed, the weaker sex. Characteristics of women fighting for leadership positions The issue of education has been brought up as one of the many factors that have led to the rise in a number of women leaders. Education is a particularly powerful tool that has helped empower women into different positions in society today. Men, many at times, are intimidated by a well-educated woman who has it together and has a way forward. In my belief, education is the most crucial element for any person who wants to play a leadership role in a changing environment that needs the diversity and control that it might be missing. The assertive and persuasive attitude that embodies the woman leader often stems from the education aspect (Martin 106). It is these aspects that make some of the women leaders present a force that is driving the woman leadership phenomenon. Stepping out from what is considered the norm is what drives some of the women leaders presently. The adversity and challenges they face force them to take risks and directions never taken before, just to prove they can also do what men can do. Women leaders take the risk if they think that such moves are right and moral (Klenke 125). Abstract thinking could be the reason behind actions that need urgency and a quick mind. Team-building and inclusive aspects of the women leader are fundamental in their growth. It is common to find women leaders incorporating some of these aspects in their organizations. This often endears them to their employees, some of whom might be men who consider themselves more traditional and do not have to work under a woman. Current position of women leaders in modern society The low number of women in some of the biggest institutions in the world at the moment is shocking. Religion, academia, politics, law, and even business are some of the most fundamental institutions in the world. The number of female representation in these fields indicates that a large number of women are stuck somewhere (Paludi and Coates 86). This is because the number of women who graduate with top honors in some of the above fields is surprisingly large. In law, for instance, half of entrants into this field are women. Unfortunately, the number of female law school deans, firm partners, and even federal judges is shockingly at its lowest. So, one might beg the question, where do all these significant numbers die off to, and where are their representatives? It is my belief that this number of women in any position in the world; filmmaking, political arenas, and even business corporations, is a low percentage. Currently, the progress for women equality has reduced as compared to the early 80’s (Paludi and Coates 91). It is true their position has improved significantly, but it is not enough to just get by. Their ability to contribute socially, culturally, and even politically is dwindling and there is no telling where it will all go down to. Countless individuals, especially men, tend to think that women are having it really good and are flourishing. The number of women in colleges and state universities is larger than that of their male counterparts. However, this advantage is short-lived as seen with the small number of women thriving after such opportunities. Challenges facing women and leadership, and their growth Some of the challenges that some women face is the adversity that comes with their gender. It is believed that the woman’s place is beside the man, as a companion and that their every move should be approved before-hand. Such a notion is carried in most cultures across the globe and in some cases, the girl child is looked down on and in turn, that becomes the norm. In India, for instance, the position of the woman is to be beside the man. In fact, they are shunned and most of the abandoned children in the nation’s capital are females. During marriage, they are the ones to pay bride price to the male’s family as a show of appreciation. This is probably why most families wish of having male children. This ultimately leaves the female gender a mark to remember in the world focused on the perfection of their male counterparts (Sandberg 73). In other areas, for example; the Arab nations, they do not allow their women to drive cars. There are laws that have seen even educated women get persecuted because of going against such rules and laws. Assassinations are rife in such areas where women are not supposed to contest with men. In China women opted to abort fetuses because they did not want to give birth to female children. This is the position most females are forced into being born in a society that deems them unfit and unwanted. In Africa, most girls are not receiving education. Some are forced into early marriages while other lives are cut short as they are forced into early parenthood. These challenges come in the wake of new issues that grip the world and some of the leaders fighting for women empowerment (Sandberg 79). The current and future trends for women in the changing world It has recently been found out that women and some of the positions they had are dwindling. Women in the corporate world, for instance, are leaving in disparate numbers looking for other options than to contend with the challenges in their fields (Martin 111). It is believed that instead of moving forward, they are moving backwards. The lack of women attaining top leadership positions can no longer be blamed on lack of qualifications or education in some quarters. In today’s world, everything is seen from a white-man’s perspective. The life portrayed in films is centered on men and their lives, with the women playing a role beside the man. It might be true to assume that men are not inclined to share the power after holding it for as long as they have. However, it is the fear of change that may be the cause of this. At one point or another, everyone has been afraid of change. It is frightening to assume what might happen if the woman revolution hit critical mass and they do what their male counterparts might have done to them. Being in a position of fifty-fifty is particularly scary. This is because men regard themselves as their own equals, and not women. Masculinity is seen as being in control, and this is what drives most of the situations present in the world, today (Furstinger 132). The future should hold a place for women as it does for men. It is easy to find the world quick to teach women on taking up male roles, but is particularly difficult to find men being taught to take up women’s roles in society. This is even if it is just the basic stuff that might require both parties. In conclusion, women and leadership is a topic that might not find a possible solution soon. However, it does help to try and address some of the basic aspects that surround this pressing issue. The vicious cycle of not having women in major participatory roles is undermining the fight, the world over, for women empowerment (Furstinger 138). Real change can only be made with a large number of women in major institutions playing leadership roles. Women with credentials should not shy away from going for their dreams, especially in fields they have specialized. The shyness enables even men with inferior qualifications to go for what they want. The assertiveness and tenacity by women is required in order to have an impact on each and every field present. That being said, it is time for women to take up the mantle and continue the fight for leadership roles. Works Cited Chin, Lau J., Lott Bernice, and Rice Joy. Women and Leadership: Transforming Visions and Diverse Voices. London: Macmillan Publishers, 2008. Print. Furstinger, Nancy. Women and Leadership. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 2011. Print. Klenke, Karin. Women and Leadership: Contextual Dynamics and Boundaries. New York: Palgrave Publishing, 2011. Print. Martin, Jennifer L. Women as Leaders in Education: Succeeding Despite Inequity, Discrimination, and Other Challenges. Oxford: Hart Publishing, 2011. Print. Paludi, A. Michele, and Coates E. Breena. Women as Transformational Leaders: From Grassroots to Global Interests. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print. Sandberg, Sheryl. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. New York: Hart Publishing, 2013. Print. Read More