Women in Leadership paper
Bibliography
OECD (2018), Women in Politics (Indicator). Doi 10.1787/edc3ff4f-en (Accessed on 16th November 2018).
Women in leadership and governance bring along with them their skills and attributes that subsequently introduce a whole new perspective in governance. Women are offered less opportunities to participate in the political process and governance and even fewer times are they given the chance to increase in numbers in the governmental positions. However, the women who have managed to participate in governance are seen to have instilled systems that everyone considers stable, sustainable and legitimate and more importantly transparent. Women have managed to perform many roles at the same time for example, highlighting women’s needs, bridging political divisions as well as bring out policies and press for transparency and accountability. This research paper presents a debate on the importance of women in politics as well as women empowerment altogether.
Steinem, G & Beard, M, “Women and Power.” A Manifesto. 2017
With more women engaging and participating in politics, there is advancement in gender equality which subsequently affects the variety of policy issues that will be put into consideration as well as the solutions those respective policy issues will be proposed. According to a research, it was found that there is a distinct impact in the priorities of policies depending on whether the chosen legislator is male or female Steinem & Beard (200). The more the women that are elected into office, the more the increase in making of policies that put more emphasis on the quality of life and has a reflection on, ethnic and racial minorities, women as well as families in general and their priorities. There is even strong evidence supporting these conclusions. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Manne, K. “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny.” 2018
Violence and intimidation is another major threat in the political success of women in politics, or rather the empowerment of women. Such vices can be dealt away with by having codes of conduct as well as help from non-governmental organizations such as International Republican Institute (IRI), which govern the electoral process as well as give guidance on good practices adapted to local conditions.
Sotomayor, S. “The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor. “ 2014
One of the other barriers that women face in the political arena is the economic barrier. There is however a way through which this can be mitigated, for instance; enlisting women’s assistance in business and obtaining resources that are similar to project womankind WILDGAF. Such organizations provide other in-kind services that are supportive to female candidates in the Local District Assembly elections. There should be some restrictions imposed such as campaign financing restrictions and measures.
Bernstein, C. “A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton.” 2007
When women participate in political matters, there are numerous tangible results that can be pointed out for instance; democratic gains. Democratic gains include; a future that is more sustainable, increased cooperation along party lines as well as ethnic lines and greater responsiveness to the needs of the citizens among others.
Albright, M. “Facism: AWarning.” 2018
Scholar called Madeleine Albright stated that the dramatic underrepresentation of women in leadership more often leads to women being excluded and their talents being wasted as well as their political skills Albright (29-32). Madeleine Albright emphasizes that all the above is a total waste of precious resources.
Obama, M. “Becoming.” 2018
All the legislators, male and female need to come together in order to solve the myriad of problems that their respective countries are facing. Women must be showered with encouragement, empowerment and support in their paths of becoming strong and powerful political as well as community leaders. This way, global development goals that are sustainable and build strong democracies will be easily and successfully met (Steinem & Beard, 50-56).
Research Plan
The research method seen fit for this study is qualitative research method. This particular method involves collection of data from various secondary sources for instance; reports from both governmental and non-governmental organizations, journals, books, articles among many other similar material. Basically, this research is based on already existing material and that is what is referred to as secondary resources. This way, researchers’ work is made easier and exploring challenges that women in politics face as well as their opportunities became a lot more easier.
Some people still ask why it is of importance for women to have a role in political matters. Why it really matters that they become elected policymakers, civil society activists as well as political leaders in general Bernstein (29-30). More and more people still wonder why there is need for the world to have involvement of more women in matters of the entire political process. Despite all these questions, women have taken it upon themselves to meaningfully participate and involve themselves in local, community as well as national leadership roles Bernstein (40-50). Their roles have subsequently become an important point of focus on the development policy, globally.
There is a great importance in recognizing and acknowledging that women are not a homogenous group and their participation in leadership and political matters is crucial. It has come to the realization that women face or are met with different life experiences that make them have priorities in life that differ from one another Steinem & Beard (109). This is regardless of whether they are young or old, live in rural or urban areas, educated or not educated, et cetera, et cetera. It is however important to note that not every woman is capable of placing other women’s rights and issues before her own personal and selfish agenda when elected into office or given a legislative position Steinem & Beard (99-102). Women’s inclusiveness and representation is crucial to create inclusive, responsive as well as transparent democracies. The main question remains; Why women in politics? Kofi Anan notes that the positive impact of women in politics is quite undeniable (Steinem & Beard, 140).
One study after the others has shown that there has never been a tool for development that has proven to be more powerful than the empowerment of women. It is the policy that is the most likely to enhance the reduction of child mortality rates as well as maternal mortality when compared to any other policy Sotomayor (12). Women empowerment policy is the surest policy to improve nutrition, Promote health as well as the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The need for an increment in the chances for education for the future generation, this is the most powerful policy of all.
More often than not, women usually face underrepresentation in positions of leadership. Many at times they are left without a voice when it comes to decision making and are often being ignored as electorates Steinem & Beard (144). This not only happens at the local and community levels but also nationwide and globally especially in the highest levels of the governments. This can be proved by the fact that only 22 national parliamentary positions are held by women Obama (15-17). This kind of underrepresentation for the women happens most if not all facets of the political process. The cause of this includes inter alia; social and cultural barriers, poor living standards, precarious economic challenges and lack of training and resources for the political organizing of women (Bernstein, 103-105).
There has been a conversation about women empowerment by the name Empowering Women in Political Participation and Leadership. The main aim of this conversation was to seek to uncover new tools and tactics as well as resources that individuals can make use of to give empowerment to women and equip them with the ability to overcome whatever obstacles stand in their way of achieving political equity and equality (Steinem & Beard, 201-205).
The people who took part in the conversation listed some of the things that were viewed as obstacles to the successful participation of women in politics. They include; entrenched traditional views, low to zero confidence, lack of financial capabilities, gender discrimination, lack of public and social support as well as political support, ethic division, lack of access and knowledge of technology, lack of opportunities to engage in capacity building, intimidation and violence among others (Bernstein, 249-255).
There are certain barriers and obstacles to women empowerment that are obvious, for instance; entrenched cultural and traditional barriers as well as social norms and attitudes against women who have been chosen to be leaders and decision makers Obama (22). For women to overcome this, they need a huge support from their social fraternity as well as their families. They actually need all the support they can get Sotomayor (32-33). This is because there is a very critical importance in highlighting the benefits of including women in the processes of decision making as well as helping in the building of local capacities by having women role models Sotomayor (34). It is useful to engender political parties a policy which can be achieved by having mandatory quotas such as 30% minimum women in leadership positions and letting them have wings within political parties (Sotomayor, 50).
Last but not least, the inability to access technological information is also another obstacle to the success of women in leadership and more often than not, it has been used against them. In a positive way, the use of this is important in raising awareness of the women’s political activism and to aid in the organization of advocacy campaigns (Steiner & Beard, 223).
Political Parties and Electoral Processes
Women that have had the chance to climb the political ladder should be very careful and specific which those leaders whose intentions are focused on excluding them from making decisions. A number of women have made their way in political participation due to several alterations. Fundraisers such as the Emily’s List are an important way of enabling women candidates to focus on their political campaigns Steiner & Beard (66-72). A certain publication was published to encourage women to give each other support through having caucuses that are strong enough to take care of their future interests Steiner & Beard (215-217). In various countries, the mandatory quotas set out for the female political candidates have been proven a success in encouraging more women to participate in electoral processes Steiner & Beard (104-110). A good example is the mandatory quota set for Spain where it was a requirement that 40% of election candidates were women, brought a tremendously positive effect (Steiner & Beard, 200-205).
Empowerment of Women Through Training Programs
Providing training and empowerment of women specifically plays a substantive role in encouraging them to participate in politics Obama (19-21). These training are provided by organizations such as IRI’s Women’s Democratic Network (WDN), Women’s Political Education Forum (WPEF) have been used as channels of increasing the engagement of women in political matters Bernstein (99-101). Putting together trainings that develop media skills, designs campaigns as well as building policies among others has helped a great deal in boosting women’s confidence to fearlessly run for political positions even if they start from the grass root levels (Sotomayor, 22).
Conclusion
One of the reasons that might enhance putting into practice the thought of increasing women in leadership, is if we make an attempt at thinking that they will lead differently and make different decisions than the ones currently being made, and which will bring positive change. It is women who sponsor most bills that aid in healthcare and the likes more than their male counterparts. Forbes provides a list of the most powerful women who make decisions that will positively affect the history of nations. More than 10% of United Nation member states have female leaders and it can be seen that they are influencing the women in other countries.
The Business week Newspaper states that; Management gurus have proven that hiring a woman is the fastest method of getting a great executive. This came after many years on trying to make an analysis on which leaders are most effective and trying to figure out who has got the right stuff. When there are more women in government, it changes how society feels and thinks about women and most importantly, it changes the way women feel and think about themselves.
Works Cited
Albright, M. “Facism: A Warning.” 2018
Bernstein, C. “A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton.” 2007
Manne, K. “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny.” 2018
OECD (2018), Women in Politics (Indicator). Doi 10.1787/edc3ff4f-en (Accessed on 16th November 2018).
Obama, M. “Becoming.” 2018
Sotomayor, S. “The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor. “ 2014
Steinem, G & Beard, M, “Women and Power.” A Manifesto. 2017