Women hold a disproportionately small number of top leadership roles worldwide. For example, in Fortune 500 companies, women CEOs account for a scant 7.4%, highlighting a considerable gap in female leadership within the corporate realm. Similarly, despite some progress in politics, women still encounter significant obstacles in reaching high-ranking positions.

A more optimistic perspective is offered in an article on the Professional Education website, which references Grant Thornton's Women in Business research. This research found that the proportion of women in management roles incrementally increased from 31% to 32% in 2022, with expectations for continued growth, particularly following the 2020 pandemic. It suggests that medium-sized enterprises are actively cultivating a more inclusive work environment, thereby paving the way for female talent.

Nevertheless, the same source acknowledges the persisting limitations on women's professional advancement. These include disparities in pay, exposure to gender-based sexual harassment, challenges in securing sponsorship or mentorship and enduring unconscious biases, whether from others or themselves.

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Barriers to women's ascent to leadership roles

The journey towards equal female representation in leadership roles and equitable work conditions is long. The so-called glass ceiling or "broken step" remains an enduring barrier for women in the workplace. Yet, this is not the sole hurdle. Women in leadership must also navigate stereotypes affecting perceptions of their performance.

Societal norms have historically expected female leaders to exemplify empathy, conciliation, and deference, perceiving them as nurturing and compassionate, with an emphasis on team welfare.

This raises the question: is there a distinct "feminine" leadership style? Some experts argue that women introduce unique attributes like empathy, collaboration, and inclusivity to leadership, often dubbed the "female leadership style."

José Luis Zunni and Carmen M. García, in an EcoFin publication, describe women's leadership as embracing a "human" approach, leveraging personal and interpersonal skills to turn challenges into achievable projects. This, they argue, is due to women's knack for turning individual ambitions into collective goals, thereby fostering a family-like atmosphere within teams or organisations.

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Critics of female leadership stereotypes

However, other viewpoints challenge the notion that leadership qualities are gender-specific. Critics of stereotyping argue for a merit-based recognition of leadership qualities, irrespective of gender. Beatriz San José discusses how societal conditioning from a young age shapes identity and behaviour, leading to stereotyped expectations and roles within professional settings.

When women ascend to leadership positions, they often confront additional expectations based on traditional gender roles, potentially curtailing their leadership efficacy. It's imperative, then, to not only acknowledge the strengths that women bring to leadership but also to broaden the definition of leadership beyond gendered stereotypes, promoting a variety of leadership styles and dismantling gender biases.

Female leaders frequently grapple with a double bind, expected to balance decisiveness with compassion. This necessitates a judicious navigation of gender expectations to maintain efficacy. Notable examples include Angela Merkel's pragmatic and detail-oriented approach and Jacinda Ardern's empathy and compassion, especially during crises.

What constitutes effective leadership, regardless of gender?

Cultivate Self-Awareness: Understanding one's emotions, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial. This awareness informs decision-making and highlights the impact of one's actions on others.

Practice Active Listening: Showing genuine interest in others' views fosters respect, builds trust, and promotes a culture of collaboration.

Develop Emotional Intelligence: Effective leaders manage their emotions and understand others, facilitating empathy and clear decision-making during challenges.

Lead with Purpose and Vision: Inspiring leadership communicates a clear mission, rallying the team around shared goals and overcoming obstacles through shared conviction.

Foster Growth and Development: Encourage ongoing learning and development within your team, creating opportunities for advancement and celebrating collective achievements.