Why We Need More Women Leaders Today and Tomorrow

For thousands of years, women have faced greater barriers than men and faced discrimination against participating and leading in public life. This has resulted in women being underrepresented or missing altogether from leadership positions, across all geographies and industries. While this is improving slowly over time, women are far from having equal representation in boardrooms and legislatures despite the research that shows having more women leaders improves organizations and society as a whole.

Why the World Needs More Women Leaders:

Diversity of Ideas Leads to Better Problem-Solving and Growth

Having more women leaders leads to more diverse perspectives and ideas. When women are included in decision-making processes, they bring different experiences and viewpoints that may not have been considered otherwise. This diversity can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making, which is essential for progress and growth. Research shows a clear linkage between women’s leadership and pro environmental outcomes, for example. In countries with higher proportions of women in parliament, they are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties, to create protected areas, and to have stricter climate change policies. Countries where women have greater social and political status have lower GHG emissions and smaller climate footprints.

Inclusion of All Leads to Safer Spaces

Promoting diversity and inclusion also creates safer spaces. When everyone feels respected and included, it fosters a culture of mutual respect, and all people are less likely to experience discrimination or harassment. In a 2017 study titled "Diversity Doesn't Stick Without Inclusion" at Harvard Business Review, researchers examined the impact of diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace on employee engagement and retention. The study found that when employees feel valued, respected, and included, they are more likely to feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions and are more likely to stay with their employer long-term, reducing turnover and associated costs. 

Women Leaders Are Great Role Models for Younger Women and Girls

Having women in leadership positions can serve as providing positive role models for other women and young girls. When young women see other women in positions of power, they are more likely to believe that they can achieve the same level of success. This can inspire more women to pursue leadership positions and break the glass ceiling that has prevented many from reaching their full potential. A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that women who have access to female role models are more likely to aspire to leadership positions. Additionally, a report by the World Economic Forum found that countries with more women in leadership positions tend to have higher levels of gender equality overall.

Women Leaders Create More Equitable Policies 

When women are in leadership positions, they often push for policies and initiatives that address issues that create more equity and prioritize issues that affect women, such as pay equity, maternal health, and gender-based violence. A study conducted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics found that companies with more women in leadership positions are more likely to have policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and parental leave. Similarly, political science research continues to find that women legislators sponsor and support more policies that address issues such as pay equity and family leave.

Women Leaders Improve Organizational Performance

Furthermore, research has shown that having more women in leadership positions can improve organizational performance. A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that women tend to outperform men in areas such as leadership effectiveness, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, a report by the World Economic Forum found that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to have better financial performance and innovation. 

But Having More Women Leaders is Not Enough

It's important to note that simply having women in leadership positions is not enough. Women must also be supported and empowered in these positions. Research has shown that women are less likely to receive promotions and face greater scrutiny and criticism than their male counterparts. This can make it more difficult for women to succeed in leadership roles. By providing support and resources to women in leadership positions, we can help them overcome the numerous obstacles that they face at work and in public office. This includes providing mentorship and training opportunities for women, equal pay across positions, and flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible work hours.

So what can we do to support more women leaders in our communities? One key step is to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equity. This can include pay-equity laws, parental leave policies, and initiatives to address gender-based violence. Additionally, we can encourage and mentor women who are interested in leadership positions. This can involve providing guidance and advice on how to navigate the workplace, as well as introducing them to potential mentors and sponsors.

We can also work to address the biases and barriers that prevent women from reaching leadership positions. This can involve challenging gender stereotypes and biases in boardrooms, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By creating more inclusive and equitable environments across industries, we can create more opportunities for women to succeed and thrive in leadership positions and create a more just and equitable world.