No change without female leadership

In today's world, where the dynamics of leadership are rapidly changing, women are increasingly taking the helm. From large commercial companies and political organizations to their own driven enterprises. This shift in leadership roles underscores a change in the societal perception of gender and power. Crucial to this development is the influence of emancipation movements and feminist theories, which have not only challenged gender stereotypes but also paved the way for a more inclusive approach to leadership. The scientific literature provides insights into these shifts, supports the effectiveness of female leadership, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership positions. And while it is repeatedly reaffirmed that gender is not decisive for good leadership, implementing female leadership does not happen automatically. We still recognize the following facts when it comes to inequality.

Pay gap
The International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that worldwide, women still earn less than men on average. Where men receive 1 dollar, women receive 77 cents for work of equal value.

Representation in top positions
Women are underrepresented in top positions within companies and government institutions. A report from the World Economic Forum in 2020 shows that women hold only 28% of management positions worldwide and only 18% of the largest companies are led by a female CEO.

Access to education
In some countries, women still have limited access to education and professional development. This directly affects their ability to reach prominent positions.

Work and caregiving tasks
Women worldwide bear the greatest burden of unpaid caregiving tasks, which limits their participation in the labor market and their career opportunities. The ILO estimates that women spend an average of 4 hours and 25 minutes per day on unpaid care and household tasks, compared to just 1 hour and 23 minutes for men.

Violence and harassment in the workplace
Women are more often victims of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace. This directly impacts their safety, well-being, and ability to work on equal terms.

These differences are, in my opinion, absurd but also unfathomable and incomprehensible. 

Good practice of female leadership

Research shows that women often employ transformational leadership. This is leadership characterized by the ability to inspire, intellectually stimulate, and pay individual attention to the development of team members. As I wrote earlier, these are precisely the core elements of good leadership. A study in the "Journal of Applied Psychology" confirms that this approach to leadership leads to higher satisfaction and performance within teams (Bass, B.M., & Avolio, B.J., 1994). This illustrates that female leaders are not only effective in guiding their teams but also in fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Gender diversity and results

The presence of women in leadership roles contributes to greater diversity within organizations. It also turns out that this, in turn, has a positive impact on financial performance. Research by Catalyst found that companies with higher gender diversity on their boards reported better results in terms of Return on Equity (ROE) and Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) (Joy, L., et al., 2007). These findings highlight the importance of gender diversity. I'm not just talking about social justice, but also as a strategic advantage in organizations.

Social role theory and gender

The social role theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding the origins of gender stereotypes that influence the perception of leadership. According to Eagly and Wood (1991), behavioral differences between men and women mainly arise from culturally determined roles and social expectations. This perspective explains why breaking traditional gender roles and promoting equality in leadership positions is essential for achieving a more inclusive society. Although you may find it incredibly annoying that this is talked about so often, it confirms the necessity!

Feminism as a driver for change

The feminist movement has played an indispensable role in challenging the status quo and promoting a culture where women are seen as equal leaders. Studies show that feminist efforts have led to greater awareness and the dismantling of institutional barriers, allowing more women to reach leadership positions (Ferree, M.M., & Tripp, A.M., 2006). This movement has not only fought for women's rights but has also contributed to redefining what it means to be a leader, regardless of gender. Often, such movements emerge due to their excessive nature and behaviors. Personally, I find it very gratifying to see that such research proves the effect of collective movements. It shows that on one hand, change is coming, but also that the movement itself helps.

Towards an undeniably inclusive future

The progress made in the field of female leadership and gender equality is undeniable. However, it is important to recognize that there are still significant challenges that need to be overcome. The scientific literature supports the assertion that gender diversity in leadership is not only fair but also beneficial for organizational performance. Further promoting this diversity requires a continued commitment to breaking stereotypes and implementing policies that support equal opportunities for everyone. By building on the foundations laid by emancipation movements and feminist thought, we can look forward to a future where leadership is defined by qualities and capabilities, not by gender!

The way forward requires conscious efforts from both organizations and individuals to embrace inclusive practices. This means promoting gender diversity in recruitment and promotion policies, offering mentoring and support programs for female leaders, and creating a culture where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to develop their leadership potential. The relentless commitment of women is so powerful that they have been able to gently break into the male stronghold. People with such reach and such powerful results, in my opinion, should not be contested, but embraced. Without female leadership, no change will come!

I would like to ask you to sincerely look at the composition of your organization. How well-balanced is your organization? Does everyone fulfill their position equally well, or would you like to see more female leadership? How would you like to organize that? If you would like to discuss this further, I would be happy to have a conversation with you.

Best regards,

Jeroen is the founder of Leiders Inzicht and writes blogs where he shows, with a touch of humor and many practical examples, how leadership and culture intersect.