Strengths, Challenges & Change
By Dr Tareq Rasheed, International Consultant & Trainer
Leadership is “the art of influencing others to achieve goals.” It is a term that transcends gender; both women and men have the capacity to lead. But, are there distinct differences between how each leads?
Women’s leadership is often bolstered by a high level of emotional intelligence, which can be a key asset in influencing and guiding others.
Emotional intelligence is typically broken down into five main components:
- Self-awareness: Great leaders are highly attuned to their strengths, weaknesses and values, which guide their decisions
2. Stress management: Women tend to exhibit greater resilience in the face of stress and are more effective at managing it
3. Self-motivation: Women are often highly self-driven, especially in challenging situations
4. Motivating others: Women tend to be better at nurturing emotional connections, which can foster team motivation. From childhood, mothers often play a significant role in emotional development, and this carries over into leadership roles
5. Social communication: Women are generally more socially intuitive, often excelling in communication and building relationships
Women in leadership challenges
International indicators show that women hold only 25% of high-ranking positions worldwide, with men predominantly occupying these roles. Among the challenges faced by women leaders are:
Resistance from male counterparts: In some cultures, the idea of being led by a woman is met with resistance and women in leadership may encounter gender-based opposition
Societal expectations: In certain societies, there is still the perception that women’s primary responsibility is at home, taking care of children and spouses, rather than pursuing careers or leadership roles
Gender-based violence: Many women in leadership positions suffer from societal violence and abuse, with many remaining silent due to the cultural stigma surrounding such issues
Although both men and women are capable of leading, women face greater obstacles in some cultures and societies.
However, by raising awareness and implementing fair, gender-neutral laws, the opportunities for women in leadership roles can have a profound, positive impact on society.
Empowering women in leadership is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a step toward more inclusive, balanced and effective leadership on a global scale.
You can contact Dr Tareq Rasheed at [email protected]
