WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: EMPOWERMENT OVER QUALIFICATION
As we celebrate Women's Day 2023 and reflect on the theme of DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, it is important to recognize the barriers that still exist for women in technology and leadership. The digital age has brought about unprecedented opportunities for women to succeed and excel, but there are still barriers that must be overcome. Diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and are more reflective of the diverse customers they serve. By creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive better business outcomes.
The impact of stereotypes on women’s confidence and career choices
Stereotypes have long been a major obstacle for women, affecting their confidence and career choices. Gender stereotypes, such as the notion that women are not as competent in technology or leadership positions as men, can lead to feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. This can result in women being less likely to pursue careers in these fields or to feel as though they are not qualified for leadership positions. It is important for us to recognize and challenge these stereotypes in order to create a more inclusive environment for women.
Support and encouragement help women overcome barriers and pursue careers in technology and leadership. This includes creating mentorship programs, providing training and development opportunities, and promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity. Along with empowering women to break their limiting beliefs, the people around them need to be educated about recognising their beliefs about gender stereotypes and mindset.
Minimizing gender gaps in leadership and technology
The gender gap in leadership roles has been a persistent issue for many years. Women are still underrepresented in top management and executive positions, despite significant advancements. This is caused by a variety of circumstances, such as discrimination in the hiring and promotion procedures, limited networking opportunities, and insufficient support for work-life balance. Thoughtful policies would support women who are balancing their careers with other responsibilities, such as caregiving. Implementing policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as providing support and resources for women to advance in their careers will improve the quality of lives of women.
One of the key issues that contributes to the gender gap in leadership is the lack of diversity in the talent pipeline. This can result in a lack of qualified female candidates for leadership positions. Many women are not provided with the same opportunities for career growth and development as their male counterparts. Moreover, equity is about providing opportunities and adequate resources to an individual for extracting the best performance. Companies can also implement mentorship and sponsorship programs to help women gain access to networking opportunities and support.
Finally, it’s important for companies to measure their progress and hold themselves accountable for creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. This includes tracking metrics (such as the number of women in leadership positions and the gender pay gap) and taking action to address any disparities.
Empowerment over experience and qualification
Education is often seen as a key factor in empowering women. By providing girls and women with access to education, they can gain knowledge and skills that can help them achieve their goals and pursue their dreams. Education can also help women develop the confidence and self-esteem necessary to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Similarly, financial independence can be a powerful tool in empowering women. By earning their own income, women can gain greater control over their lives and make decisions that are in their best interests. Financial independence can also help women gain access to resources and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
However, education and financial independence are not always enough to overcome the structural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in society. Women’s access to their rights and freedoms may be restricted by gender-based violence, discriminatory laws and policies, and cultural norms. The role of empowerment in this is crucial. In order to empower women, it is necessary to address the underlying power disparities that keep them from participating fully in society. This may entail giving women the knowledge and tools they require to fight for their rights and expose discriminatory practices. Working to alter cultural attitudes and conventions that restrict women’s options and chances can also be part of it.
“Advancing Women in Leadership program” by Dale Carnegie
This extensive online program developed by Dale Carnegie’s experts is aimed at equipping women to become self-aware, challenge their limiting beliefs and unconscious biases and lead assertively. The program has been curated keeping the focus on bringing performance change in a structured manner. It starts with the requirement of the business and the participants involved. The strategy is built by evaluating where you stand, what you want to be and what needs to change. The program then touches upon making the participants aware of the areas that need to change.
With Dale Carnegie’s Human Relations principles, each module involves active participation, practical application and in-the-moment coaching. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to communicate with different personality styles, lead across generations, manage conflicts effectively and lead assertively with a people-focused approach. Having facilitated the Dale Carnegie experience for over 9 million participants across the globe, the program leaves everyone with a sense of victory. Contact us for a better understanding of how the program will be beneficial for empowering women to become better leaders and how your organisation can play an instrumental role in creating an inclusive space.
At the end of the day, the success of any organization is built on the strength of its people. By investing in women and creating a more inclusive workplace, companies can tap into a talent pool that drives innovation and growth. As we look to the future, let’s commit to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for women.