Is this the right time for women leaders to emerge?

By Timothy A. Edward

Every once in a while, we see a woman emerging in leadership, but majority of time they hit an impasse as they arrive at middle management or leadership positions. There is no question that women play a pivotal role in the continued economic and political development of any country. Yet, we know that due to gender based barriers, such vital roles will not be taken by competent potential female candidates in our society. It might be right to say that a woman’s brain is structured differently than of a man. However, it does not make them any less competent in leading.

The Many Challenges

Why do professional women face diverse challenges in their career path towards leadership progression?Although, there is so much talk on empowering women, it is very sad to observe the opposite as the hard truth.

Majority of the time these challenges arise because of the prevalent gender stereotyping against women and the cultural lens through which women are perceived.Another reason why these challenges emergeis because of the different roles women are called upon to play within their communities and families such asbeing an ideal daughter, daughter-in-law, wife and mother. Because of the very nature of such roles women are discouraged from taking risks. Instead, they are encouraged to balance family and society delicately; without which the very social structure might collapse miserably.

Thus, the scope and space that is given for them to be innovatively decisive is very limited. This makes it all the more difficult for women to advance in some key roles, because of gender role expectations connected with such job profiles, even though, they might be perfectly suited for those jobs because of their natural gifting, training and experience.

The Positive Side

Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see women aspiring forleadership positions within the business communities as well as in the political arenas. In Sri Lanka, wecan boast of vivacious women who have held leadership positions of this country in different eras. They were the audacious catalysts who had to lead in a man’s world. It was not easy for them then, neither it is easier for the aspirants today.

If women are to become effective leaders in the business and political arena in Sri Lanka, there are certain issues that need to be addressed such as; The need to believe in women’s social consciousness for right thinking and right decision making

The need to look at women as equals and not assecond class citizens, which is a deep rooted problem that needs to be addressed carefully,not merely in words but in action, dealing with the culture of fear and shame which keeps women in bondage.

The way we respect and treat women in our workplace and in our political platforms reflect our own true nature and culture that we so proudly boast about

Some Steps to Consider

It is the responsibility of individuals, employers and the state to work toward making workplaces and political arenas safe and equal for women. Today, the need for female leaders stands more pertinent than ever before. Due to their very emotional and mental make-up, women tend to be more inclusive and community oriented. Although, at times they may be guilty of slowing down the process, women in general tend to look out more for the end result and the wellbeing of everyone concerned in their organization and community, than for their own individual gain.

Therefore, steps should be taken to effectively close the gender gaps by building meaningful mentoring relationships and networks for women thatin turn result in gender-free paradigm shiftsin our communities and societies. Thiswill certainly give rise to national level dialogues where the voice of women could play a critical role in result oriented decisions and policy making.

When women are given their rightful place to lead, meaningful changes can be achieved in the identity of womanhood.

This uplifts the morale and motivation of other women around them which results in transformed lives, happy families and participatory communities. This will establisha value chain of result oriented actions by women for transformed societies and state.

Given the right environment, training and opportunitiesit is indeed time for women to rise up to the challenges and unleasha standard of leadership potential that all of us can be proud of.

(The writer is a trainer, human resources practitionerandbusiness consultant)