The Iron Lady
I am a woman, a daughter, a teacher and
a student; and I am writing this on behalf of all women in the world. It's
apparent that the world is not complete without influential women leaders. However,
some recent statistics shown that, there are still very few women in leadership
positions as compared to men .Of the one hundred and ninety three countries
recognized by the United Nations, twelve have a female head of government
(Prime Minister, Chancellor or President) and thirteen have a female head of
state.
In business leadership, reports have
shown that women have made considerable progress at middle management
level, the statistics for the top management level leave much to be desired. Evidently,
women are still very much the minority in positions of power. Why is this so?
What is the significance between leadership and gender? Leadership is the
capacity of organization, motivation, and guidance to achieve a given
objective. To be a good leader one must gain the confidence of others.
Today, almost half a century since
the modern women's movement began, many people assume that the issue of gender
inequality and imbalance has been predominantly resolved. Although women's
lifestyle in most countries, they have plateau in rights, leadership, and the
ability to contribute equally in social and cultural affairs. To put it simply,
discrimination against women is, unfortunately, not a thing of the past.
Challenges specific to women such as the gender pay gap are forever more in the
workplace. According to the latest report published by the European Commission,
European women are earning 16 % less than European . The lack of female role
models and mentoring opportunities, slimmer chances of promotion as well as the
risks of sexual harassment are the other challenges that women face in the
workplace. With so many odds stacked against them, it is no wonder that women
have remained hugely underrepresented at positions of power. However,
governments and current leaders have the ability to rectify the situation by
addressing these issues and taking the necessary actions.
One way of encouraging women's
leadership is by promoting women who are already very well respected with the
current workforce. These women could serve as role models and inspirations to
the women by sending the message tattoos possible for women to be leaders, thus
building on a growing trend of women leaders. Additionally, governments could
change how certain rules are enforced to better fight .Problems like sexual
harassment and gender inequality, which can deter women from pursuing a career
and thus effectively lowering the chances of women in leadership roles.
Today, we have lines of women who
fill in the gap and the seats in the parliament . That’s really prove woman is
not a subject to be discriminate and possess a strong will power take could
take charge in any aspect of the organization. To conclude, iron lady is not
their surface of their act in flamboyant and softness, we should see them as
the next incoming leaders who speak for the rights and claims. We have to see
leaders in a whole package not in terms of gender.
Jahirah binti Jalal Abidin
Name of University : International
Islamic University Malaysia
IC No :880213-14-5296
