Written by: Deilen Michelle Villegas, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In a world striving for progress and equity, one aspect that demands our attention is the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. From corporate boardrooms to political arenas, the presence of women in leadership roles and the need for gender diversity at the helm of decision-making has never been more crucial. This article will explore why we need more women in leadership and the transformative impact they bring.
The importance of diverse perspectives
One of the key reasons we need more women in leadership is to foster diverse perspectives. For the same reason we need cultural and ethnic diversity in the workspace, women bring unique experiences, insights, and approaches to the table, enriching decision-making. By including a range of perspectives organizations and societies can make more well-rounded and informed choices, leading to greater innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. It is even more imperative to bring women of color into leadership. Women for centuries have always had to work well under pressure with limited supplies and support causing them to become innovative thinkers and resourceful creators, while also having to manage their emotions and keep their composure in the face of injustice and inequality. Women have also been repeatedly undermined and dismissed and yet learned how to make their presence known in a space where men are convinced they can not excel. For many generations, it was women who were the problem-solvers and creators of many of the inventions and theories we use today. Women of color help bring awareness to multiple obstacles that may otherwise go unrecognized due to their wider perspective. As a person of color, they can speak to the complications and matters from the perspective of both a person of color and a woman.
Representation and role models
The presence of women in leadership positions inspires and empowers future generations of girls and women. Representation matters, and when young girls see women in positions of authority, it expands their horizons, breaks stereotypes, and cultivates ambition. Female leaders serve as models, demonstrating that gender should never be a barrier to achieving professional success and making a difference.
It is important to address the fact that like men, women too can have the best of both worlds. They can be dedicated mothers and wives while leading successful careers. Should say: We must work hard to fight the narrative that a woman’s role is simply to be a mother and wife, and should not pursue a fulfilling career, or that if she wants to have a career, she can not have a family. Having more women in leadership will help cultivate a work culture that promotes the ability to do both, and bring balance to life. Work environments can be transformed into one that emphasizes the importance of getting work done and making life at home a priority. Women are the masters of multitasking. Women have always been known to be the ones who can run entire households, and manage schedules, appointments, financial budgets, and chores all the while raising children and attending to a spouse. These skill sets can be very useful in workplace environments because women have learned the art of time management, and being able to complete multiple tasks at once successfully and flawlessly. Women have mastered the art of making solid plans and problem-solving on a whim to address unexpected events. These skills have allowed women to consider all other possible outcomes and prepared them to be critical thinkers and master innovators.
Inclusive and collaborative leadership styles
Research suggests that women tend to exhibit more inclusive and collaborative leadership styles. They prioritize building relationships, nurturing teamwork, and promoting a sense of belonging. Such leadership qualities foster a more inclusive work culture, where diverse voices are valued, employee engagement is enhanced, and collective success is prioritized over individual achievements. Women bring a unique set of skills and attributes to leadership roles, complementing those traditionally associated with male leaders. Empathy, emotional intelligence, and intuition are some qualities often associated with women, which can contribute to fostering healthier environments, enhancing employee well-being, and promoting effective communication. By having women in leadership positions, organizations and societies can address gender bias and inequality. Women leaders can advocate for fair policies, challenge existing norms, and create career advancement for women. Their presence can help dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that decisions are made with equity in mind.
Enhancing organizational performance
Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between gender diversity in leadership and organizational performance. Companies with higher representation of women in leadership tend to be more innovative, financially successful, and adaptive to change. Diverse leadership teams bring different perspectives, foster a broader range of ideas, and make better decisions that reject the needs and preferences of diverse customer bases.
The need for more women in leadership roles is not just a matter of fairness and equity; it is a strategic imperative for progress and success. By embracing gender diversity at all levels of leadership, we unlock the transformative potential of different perspectives, collaborative leadership styles, and inclusive decision-making. It is time to break down the barriers that limit women’s advancement and create a world where their voices and contributions are fully valued and integrated into the fabric of leadership.
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Deilen Michelle Villegas, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Deilen Michelle is a Holistic Health Practitioner and Holistic Life Coach. An advocate for bringing awareness to the mental health and physical well-being of underserved communities. She specializes in Trauma Recovery, Behavioral Health, Mindset Transformation, and Somatic Healing with over 15 years in healthcare. Founder of The Shamanic Goddess, LLC, a Holistic Health and Wellness Consulting business, she has chosen to use her knowledge, experience, and platforms to address the importance and need for Holistic Health and Wellness in the Medical Industry and also the impact of trauma and adversities on the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities. She is an interdisciplinary Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioner focusing on the Mind-Body-Spirit connection, currently working on her Ph.D. in Natural Medicine and has obtained a Master of Science in Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Deilen created her own modality named The H.E.M Experience, which she uses with her clients to create effective positive change in all areas of life to achieve their full potential in Body, Mind, and Soul, guiding them to be more intentional and conscious about how they move in the world.
