Women’s leadership roles have evolved significantly over the past decades, though much remains to be done to further advance women in any industry, at board levels, in politics, and as decision-makers.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, reaching full parity will take 134 years without a bold push forward.
Women in leadership are crucial for any organization. They provide representation and drive innovation and growth with various perspectives and solutions. Studies show that if women are on the leadership team, the team thrives, it creates a healthier working environment, and it leads to increased ethical decision-making.
Women leaders bring collaborative and unique problem-solving approaches and possess emotional intelligence, which is key to guiding teams and the organization.
Let’s examine some key trends and my five cents on this topic, which I am passionate about. Women in Leadership unveiled.
Declining Focus on DEI Initiatives
It’s sad to see and hear that organizations have removed their focus on Diversity and inclusion. There is a slow decline, and some companies are scaling back their programs due to economic pressure, shifting their priorities, or political influence. This represents a challenge for women in leadership, as the intentional promotion of women into those decision-making positions might decline. Women leaders and allies must continue advocating for inclusive company policies and workplace equity to sustain progress in leadership representation.
Emphasis on inclusive leadership
The future skills of leadership shift towards emotional intelligence, collaboration, and support, with a “no one shall be left behind” approach—qualities that women are powerful in. Companies do notice that teams with diverse members excel, and the outcomes prove that this team composition is beneficial to achieve results. Organizations promote women for ticking the box, creating a better workplace, fostering innovation, and retaining employees.
The increase of women in men-dominant sectors
While professions such as Human resources, healthcare, and education are more women-oriented, we can see a rise in male-dominated industries now, which is excellent to observe.
This starts with raising awareness about career choices from school age onwards and encouraging society to promote women in STEM roles. This will lead to more women pursuing leadership roles in technology, science, space, and financial institutions.
Work-Life Harmony
After COVID-19, it was proven that flexible working was also possible and productive. These flexible working arrangements are the norm as we speak. Therefore, with remote work, hybrid models make it more accessible and available for women leaders to move up the ladders and take on leadership positions, being more flexible and compromising personal and family responsibilities alongside leadership ones. Organizations prioritizing work-life balance, or work-life harmony, are better positioned to attract and retain talented women leaders.
Policy impact on gender policies
Despite the new trend of decreasing some diversity and inclusion initiatives, organizations, governments, and civil societies are still focusing more on promoting gender equity policies. Policies such as a report on gender gap reports, parental leave policies, and leadership quotas help to accelerate to have a social impact. In many countries, boardroom diversity regulations encourage businesses and women to apply for and be promoted to executive positions.
The role of male allies and advocacy
We work with men and should seek their support and ask them for support and mentorship. Male sponsorship is equally essential. Many organizations seek male allyship initiatives to actively support and advocate for gender diversity, mentorship, and challenge workplace biases. Creating an equal and fair working environment where both genders and all humans are the focus and championing both sides is crucial for lasting change.
Increase of women entrepreneurship
Women-owned businesses have increased in the last few years, launching innovative start-ups that are more present in all industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and in all facets of productivity, which is impressive. This attracts venture capital, provides financial support, and is present in start-up hackathons. Women entrepreneurs are disrupting the status quo, which will ripple effect on women claiming their space at the table.
4 Tips about what women can do
While trends are still promising, even though Diversity and inclusion might be trending slightly backward, we as women need to be proactive, moving to leadership positions and having our voices raised and heard. Here are some actions to take:
- Invest in continuous learning: Upskill yourself on all levels, pursue executive-level training and opportunities, follow trends, and stay informed.
- Seek mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching: Seeking mentorship and sponsorship is crucial for advancement in leadership positions. Career coaching is equally a great way to advance in leadership positions.
- Develop Leadership skills: Strengthen your leadership skills, model excellence, observe women leaders in your organization, learn about public speaking and guiding teams, and take any leading position to gain experience.
- Build your personal brand: Visibility and credibility, as well as walking the talk, are essential in your professional life. Be authentic and stay true to your words.
Final Thoughts
Women in leadership still have a future and are still important for organizations and society as a whole. However, achieving gender parity requires effort from every counterpart, organization, individual, and woman. By embracing diversity and inclusion, breaking into non-traditional industries, disrupting stereotypes, and becoming stronger in women-led businesses, women can shape the future of leadership.
Opportunities are always there – we need to seize them.
Women in leadership will be a force for good for the community and society.
As always, I am at your disposal and looking forward to your comments.