The pandemic has been especially hard on women as many have had to opt out or reduce hours for the purposes of caregiving—caring for children, elders or friends. Some women have lost their jobs because of the shifts in the labor market. But women have also found success in the workforce and have seen progress as well—from demonstrating effective leadership to positively influencing their organizations.
Data provide a clear window on the state of women in leadership—including both gains and losses. The insights are sobering, but also enlightening. Our opportunity is to build resilience: By understanding reality and making sense of it, we can become more resilient, solve problems and innovate toward greater happiness, fulfillment and achievement.
Women Are Strong Leaders
Historically, there has been debate about women’s performance in leadership. As frustrating as the very existence of that debate may be, it has also catalyzed research which reinforces the effective contributions women make.
Effectiveness. A sweeping meta-analysis from Florida International University examined 99 data sets from academic research sources—including journal articles, white papers, books and dissertations. The study finds women and men do not differ in their perceived effectiveness as leaders. Assessing feedback on leaders and the extent to which they are judged competent and capable, there is no statistical differences between men and women.
Leadership Behaviors. In addition, women are performing well in multiple aspects of leadership. A new study of 423 companies across the US and Canada by McKinsey & Company and Leanin.org finds women are better than men at providing emotional support to employees (19% of men compared with 31% of women) and checking in on the wellbeing of employees (54% compared with 61%). In addition, they are better at helping employees navigate work-life challenges (24% of men compared with 29% of women) and taking action to prevent or manage employee burnout (16% compared with 21%). Women also spend more time contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts (7% of men compared with 11% of women).
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Preferences for Women. In addition, people welcome having women as their leaders. A recent study from ResumeLab finds 38% of people prefer to work for a female boss compared with 26% who prefer to work for a man. In addition, 35% of respondents have no preference. When asked whether they are better at leadership, 38% believe women outperform men while 35% believe men are better in leadership roles.
The Bias Is Real
Despite women’s strong leadership, bias still exists.
Qualification and Decision Making. A study of 1,529 respondents by the Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf in Germany finds people report women are less qualified for leadership than their male counterparts based on perceptions of how women think and process issues. In the ResumeLab study, 45% of respondents believe women are more likely to follow their emotions when making a decision, while men are more likely to use logical thinking when making decisions.
The Likability Bias. Studies published in The Economic Journal show there is a likeability bias when it comes to women. If women aren’t perceived as likable, people will demonstrate less cooperation and less support for the women’s efforts. The same dynamic is not evident with men. Those who are not perceived as likable do not pay a price in terms of the cooperation or support they receive.
Trust through Crisis. On the other hand, women tend to benefit from a trust advantage. According to research at Lehigh University and Queen's University Belfast, when people are in a crisis situation, they are more likely to trust women to take care of them and lead them to a safe outcome. While this may seem like good news, it is still limiting for women because it speaks to a perception of qualification based on gender alone, not skills, competence or experience.
The Implications
The biases have consequences for everyone and, in particular, women.
Higher Standards. Women are perceived to be held to a higher standard than men. For example, a study of 600 women business owners by Groupon finds they believe they are held to a more rigorous standard when accessing capital or seeking mentors. Relatedly, the ResumeLab study finds 55% of respondents believe women in managerial positions are held to higher performance standards than men.
Media Portrayals. Portrayals of women in the media make a difference as well, because they tend to reinforce stereotypes. Fully 59% of ResumeLab survey participants believe women are under-represented as managers and 52% see them as over-represented in support functions.
Under-Representation in Leadership. All of this has real implications for women. The pipeline for women in leadership has many leaks where women fall out of the progression toward higher-level roles. The McKinsey/LeanIn study finds 48% of entry-level positions, but only 24% of C-suite are occupied by women. In fact, women lose ground at every step of the hierarchical pipeline, but they lose the most ground at the opportunity to enter management.
The Way Forward
So how can we—women and all genders—create the conditions for reduced bias and accelerated progress for women?
First, we can manage our own biases and language. We can be aware of our own biases and work to reduce them. One aspect of bias is linguistic determinism which describes the fact that language matters: How we refer to people and situations affects how we perceive them. A study in the Sex Roles journal finds we use different language to describe men and women and this can be limiting. Recognize the terms you use to describe women and other genders, and focus on discussions about skills, competencies and capabilities that are gender neutral.
Second, women can bring their own talents forward. Women will do well to recognize their strengths and demonstrate their capabilities every day, rather than shying away from situations because of bias. When women bring their best, they contribute to their organizations and communities. We all have an instinct to matter and applying talents for the benefit of family, communities and organizations is good for all kinds of wellbeing.
Third, women can care for themselves. Women who work hard and also set boundaries and take time away tend to have greater levels of wellbeing and mental health. Find work which aligns with your interests as much as possible, attend to your physical health and invest time in creating and sustaining meaningful relationships.
Fourth we can use our influence to shape the conditions for women’s success and advancement. Sociologically speaking, the primary way we learn is through watching, listening and experiencing others around us. This means each woman’s choices and behaviors have a powerful effect on those around her. Women can help other women and all genders, supporting them and contributing to cultures and systems where there is a high level of respect, value and inclusion for all kinds of differences. We can also contribute to the systemic and structural elements that foster success for women—creating policies and programs for all phases of life and employment from attraction, hiring and promotion to caregiving and flexible work—empowering and enabling women for career growth and advancement.
In Sum
The news is good about women’s capability, resilience and effectiveness. The bad news is women still face tremendous headwinds in terms of biases. But women can find their strength, express their voice and apply their talents. They can also shape the conditions for others, supporting and influencing the systems which make the world welcoming for women’s contributions. The state of women’s progress in the workplace and in leadership isn’t just a women’s issue. It is an issue for all of us—so we can build communities where we can tap into the very best from each of us.
FAQs
Why it is important to have women in leadership? ›
Having female leaders in positions of influence to serve as role models is not only critical to the career advancement of women, but stands to generate broader societal impacts on pay equity, changing workplace policies in ways that benefit both men and women, and attracting a more diverse workforce.
What are the main factors that influence women's rise to leadership positions? ›Self-confidence, Networking opportunities, Self-esteem, Conducive organizational working environment, and Assertiveness are found to be the most important factors pulling women into leadership.
What are the biggest challenges for women in leadership today? ›- Unconscious Bias.
- Unequal Pay.
- Difficult Expectations.
- Limited Career Advancement Opportunities.
- Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment.
- Lack of Sponsorship and Mentors.
- Becoming C-Suite Members.
There are four types of barriers to leadership for women: structural barriers, institutional mindsets, individual mindsets and lifestyle choices.
What makes a woman powerful? ›Often, strong women aren't afraid to ask for help; they know and love themselves, are brave in going after what they want and need, are comfortable and confident being alone and doing things themselves, are always seeking to learn and grow, prioritizes themselves and her life, recognizes her own self-worth, can let go ...
How can a woman be a successful leader? ›Women have the ability to take a crisis in stride, put out the flames and then redirect everyone in a way that leads to success. Leading by example – A successful woman also tends to lead by example. They set the tone for the workplace and learn from the people they looked up to as they moved up the ladder.
What are the factors that affect women's participation in community affairs and development? ›From the study's point of view, the following six factors were identified, namely: lack of government assistance, lack of resources; lack of information, lack of education; respect for cultural values and beliefs, and finally, gender discrimination (Table 6).
Why we have too few female leaders summary? ›Sheryl talks about what women can do to stay in the workforce and move towards leadership. Sit at the table – men tend to oversell themselves, while women underestimate their abilities. Importantly, men attribute their success to themselves, while women will say they got lucky, or someone helped them.
Does gender affect leadership? ›Gender plays a significant role in defining leadership roles and determining the quality of services in organizations. Gender refers to social traits of men and women that range from norms and relationships to roles.
What are the challenges facing women? ›- The lack of women in positions of power. ...
- Patriarchy. ...
- Not enough women at the table. ...
- Sexism, racism and economic inequality. ...
- Trauma-centered feminism. ...
- Access to equal opportunity. ...
- The lack of respect for caregiving. ...
- Navigating career and motherhood.
What do you think are the 5 most important things for effective leadership? ›
While the answer to this question can vary widely based on the industry, the results from a number of studies by Michigan State University show that effective leaders share five essential skills: innovation, vision, inner values, inspiration, and communication.
What does the Bible say about female leadership? ›One of these is found in 1 Timothy 2:12: I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.
How does gender bias affect leadership? ›Gender Bias in the Pipeline
Our research shows that women at every level receive less support in their transition to leadership. And they also report higher levels of stress in their transitions. On top of that, a larger percentage of men indicated being given clear expectations for success in their roles than women.
"A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches." The Good News: Any woman who is compassionate in her life will be rewarded in heaven, while those who act in anger will be punished. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come."
What personality should a woman have? ›She listens attentively before speaking her mind. She attracts unconditional love for she gives it freely. She values people and relationships more than material things. She brings out the best in others.
What defines a good woman? ›A good woman is empathetic.
Being compassionate, supportive, and encouraging towards your partner is a huge part of building a successful relationship. Nobody wants a person who is a “Debbie Downer” all the time and will not support them in their endeavors or their times of need.
Good leaders possess self-awareness, garner credibility, focus on relationship-building, have a bias for action, exhibit humility, empower others, stay authentic, present themselves as constant and consistent, become role models and are fully present.
What is the role of woman in society? ›Women are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the world. International studies demonstrate that when the economy and political organization of a society change, women take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities and challenges.
What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the world? ›- She has a positive attitude. ...
- She can overcome obstacles. ...
- She is strong-minded. ...
- She is soft-hearted. ...
- She has integrity. ...
- She has balance in her life. ...
- She sets goals. ...
- She is driven by a cause.
Sandberg Sit at the Table Clip - YouTube
What is different about female leadership? ›
Women tend to have a more cooperative, participatory style of leading. Men tend to have a more “command and control style,” according to the American Psychological Association. They're more task-oriented and directive, while women are more democratic.
How does gender affect power? ›Inequalities between men and women are one of the most persistent patterns in the distribution of power. For example, women's lack of influence marks political decision-making the world over. Gender relations are power relations. Often what it means to be a 'woman' is to be powerless (quiet, obedient, accommodating).
What is female leadership? ›Horizontal leadership: Female leadership is inclusive, encourages participation and shares information and power with those she leads. She tends to create and strengthen group identities. Emotional prevalence: They are generally capable of considering the “human” side of individuals and generate high levels of empathy.
What are the difficulties women are facing even in 21st century? ›Gender bias, unequal pay, security, mental and physical harassment, lack of proper family support, insufficient maternity leave are considered as major issues and challenges that working woman faces nowadays. The working and social scenario in today's era is far different than that of twenty-thirty years ago.
What are current women's issues 2021? ›- Ending violence against women.
- Peace and security.
- Humanitarian action.
- Leadership and governance.
- Economic empowerment.
- Innovation and technology.
- Women with disabilities.
- Youth.
- Boost her self-esteem. ...
- Shut down negativity. ...
- Be open and honest. ...
- Advocate for female colleagues. ...
- Lead by example. ...
- Help provide clean water. ...
- Become a mentor. ...
- Support women-run businesses.
Women are now getting power even in rural areas. In many countries now women are the head of the state. Education has made women independent and they are no longer dependent on men to lead their lives. Business laws have changed to allow more women in the workplace and giving them a comfortable environment to work in.
Is women's rights still an issue today? ›Today, gender bias continues to create huge barriers for many women. Ongoing struggles include ensuring equal economic opportunities, educational equity, and an end to gender-based violence.
What are the 2 most important key to effective leadership? ›Trust and confidence in top leadership was the single most reliable predictor of employee satisfaction in an organization. Effective communication by leadership was the key to winning organizational trust and confidence.
What are the 3 most important roles of a leader? ›1) Leaders need to have clear goals and objectives; 2) They need to motivate their followers and provide them with direction; 3) They must support their team members in order for them to succeed.
What are the 3 important keys for an effective leader? ›
The triad of leadership. The leadership triad is made up of (1) assessment (2) training and (3) technology. While these three focuses are important on their own, their values grow substantially when they are working with each other.
Who is the female leader in the Bible? ›Deborah the Prophetess and Only Female Judge in the History of Christianity. Out of all the Biblical women in history, Deborah emerged as an exceptional military leader. Fearless and obedient to God, She led the Israelites to victory and out of bondage. She was a prophetess and the fourth judge of pre-monarchic Israel.
What is a woman's role according to the Bible? ›Women were responsible for "maintenance activities" including economic, social, political and religious life in both the household and the community. The Old Testament lists twenty different professional-type positions that women held in ancient Isarael.
Who was the only female king in the Bible? ›Queen Athaliah is the only woman in the Hebrew Bible reported as having reigned as a monarch within Israel/Judah. After her son's brief rule, she kills the remaining members of the dynasty and reigns for six years, when she is overthrown.
What are the primary barriers to women's leadership? ›There are four types of barriers to leadership for women: structural barriers, institutional mindsets, individual mindsets and lifestyle choices.
What are the main factors that influence women's rise to leadership positions? ›Self-confidence, Networking opportunities, Self-esteem, Conducive organizational working environment, and Assertiveness are found to be the most important factors pulling women into leadership.
What are the suggestions to improve the position of women? ›Status of women in society will improve and rise through (1) education; (2) increase in and control of income; (3) empowering women through organization and political participation; (4) change of social attitudes in favour of women's equality; and (5) legislature for social rights.
What are the importance of women empowerment? ›Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children.
Why is women's empowerment important? ›Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children.
Why are women so important? ›Women are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the world. International studies demonstrate that when the economy and political organization of a society change, women take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities and challenges.
What is women empowerment in leadership? ›
Therefore, female empowerment represents that awareness, both individually and collectively, that women have the ability to be owners of their own actions, to take action and, ultimately, to lead their lives. There are a number of qualities you will recognise in empowered women: They develop their own leadership style.
What is the most stressful part about working at women's empowerment? ›Answer: Constant crisis intervention with no staff support.
What are current women's issues? ›- The lack of women in positions of power. ...
- Patriarchy. ...
- Not enough women at the table. ...
- Sexism, racism and economic inequality. ...
- Trauma-centered feminism. ...
- Access to equal opportunity. ...
- The lack of respect for caregiving. ...
- Navigating career and motherhood.
Ultimately, no matter the age, women feel most empowered when they see women who are similar to them and easy to relate to. Characteristics like intelligence, success, and kindness are just a few examples that make women feel empowered. These characteristics can apply to any empowering woman, not just celebrities.
How has the role of women changed in society? ›Women are now getting power even in rural areas. In many countries now women are the head of the state. Education has made women independent and they are no longer dependent on men to lead their lives. Business laws have changed to allow more women in the workplace and giving them a comfortable environment to work in.
What is women's role in society today? ›In general, women, more than men, are still the keepers of the house, the planners of family events, the bill payers and errand runners. Mothers, more than fathers, are the ones who stay home with sick kids, join the PTA, plan school dances and banquets and field trips.
How can a woman improve representation in the workplace? ›- Build an inclusive workplace. ...
- Write better job descriptions. ...
- Proactively source a diverse pipeline. ...
- Provide your team with unconscious-bias training. ...
- Set a diverse group of interviewers. ...
- Implement fair compensation practices. ...
- Learn from your exit interviews.
- • Lack of affordable care for children or relatives.
- • Unfair treatment at work/abuse/harassment/discrimination.
- • Lack of flexible work hours/appropriate, suitable work hours.
- • Lack of good-paying jobs.
- • Unequal pay for doing similar work as men (or work of equal value)
- Raise your voice. ...
- Volunteer. ...
- Start a fundraiser. ...
- Attend marches and protests. ...
- Donate to women's movements and organisations. ...
- Shop smartly. ...
- Challenge events.
Traits such as nurturance, sensitivity, sweetness, supportiveness, gentleness, warmth, passivity, cooperativeness, expressiveness, modesty, humility, empathy, affection, tenderness, and being emotional, kind, helpful, devoted, and understanding have been cited as stereotypically feminine.
How are women marginalized? ›
Women face multiple forms of discrimination in their everyday lives; they have an increased risk of poverty and limited negotiating power and access to resources. They also endure the greatest hardships resulting from the proliferation of under-resourced and often spatially segregated urban areas.