Reflecting on the role of women in our society, I had a profound realization during the Covid pandemic. When my family fell ill, I took on household responsibilities—shopping, cooking, and cleaning. This experience opened my eyes to the incredible multitasking and hard work women undertake daily.
Women manage not only the home and children but also
navigate the workplace's challenges. They juggle demanding roles, often at the
expense of their own well-being. Add the pressures of a male-dominated world,
and you have a recipe for stress. Patriarchy remains a significant barrier, as
women perform 66% of all work globally but earn only 10% of the income and own
just 1% of property. If unpaid caregiving were recognized in our economy, we
could see a GDP increase of 30-50%.
Despite the challenges, women in leadership roles can drive
organizational success. Research shows that companies with diverse executive
teams are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability. Yet, women
hold only 28% of senior VP roles and 21% of C-suite positions in the U.S. The
World Economic Forum estimates it will take 135.6 years to close the gender gap
in leadership globally.
Women possess unique qualities that can transform leadership
today: compassion, emotional intelligence, and a strong connection to nature.
Studies highlight their strengths in collaboration and communication, making
them ideal leaders in our evolving landscape.
To foster women's leadership, we need two key components: a culture of respect and mentorship, and effective leadership training programs. While the first point deserves another discussion, let’s focus on what a strong Women Leadership Program should include:
1. Context Awareness: Understanding the patriarchal structures and how collaboration can dismantle them.
2. Awakening Inner Power: Connecting with innate wisdom and strength is crucial for inspirational leadership.
3. Accountability: Encouraging women to take ownership of their lives fosters empowerment.
4. Emotional Intelligence: Learning to manage emotions enhances leadership effectiveness.
5. Self-Compassion: Prioritizing self-care is vital for personal well-being.
6. Creativity and Positivity: Cultivating creativity and resilience helps women thrive.
7. Self-Worth: Building self-esteem and assertiveness allows women to voice their needs confidently.
8. Essential Competencies: Developing skills like negotiation, digital literacy, and public speaking is crucial for success in male-dominated environments.
9. Networking: Creating opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders is invaluable.
Embracing women's leadership is essential for a sustainable
future. In India, we honour the concept of Ma Shakti, representing the dynamic
forces of compassion and creation. Let's collaborate—men and women alike—to
create a world filled with love and possibility.
This is your call to action! Invest in your personal growth
and evolve into a leader who embodies wholeness and purpose. Together, we can
manifest a future that works for everyone.
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