As more women have overcome historical barriers to achieve positions of power and influence, the leadership environment has changed dramatically in recent decades. This article explores the remarkable journeys of women in leadership, showcasing their accomplishments, obstacles they have overcome, and significant influence they are having on our society's and companies' futures.

Women in Politics: Shattering Barriers and Leading Global Change

The obstacles that keep politically engaged women and non-binary persons from seeking public office are highlighted by new research from GIWL ANU, and the study also looks at solutions to pave the road for greater gender equality in politics. Women and non-binary politically active were surveyed for the report, which was created in partnership with women in politics. The survey asked participants about the obstacles they faced, the kind of systemic changes they would like to see, and the support they anticipated receiving in order to pursue further political engagement, including running for office.

They offer a number of suggestions for policymakers, political parties, the media, and organizations that promote women in politics based on their research on how to encourage and assist more female political leaders and gender-diverse candidates in their political careers and breaking barriers in politics. 

Four major areas needing adjustment are as follows:

1. A suitable code of conduct and regulation at all levels of government, as well as more welcoming and accommodating work conditions for caregivers, disabled individuals, and neurodivergent lawmakers

2. Better information access, training, and financial help for candidates from underrepresented areas are all included in the financial training and support package.

3. Peer support, varied role models, and political training—including increased visibility for various role models and increased networking possibilities for women from comparable backgrounds—are all important.

4. More expansive cultural standards and laws are needed, such as more community support for caregivers, stricter internet privacy regulations, and government control of social media to enhance the safety of varied candidates.

The Rise of Women in Politics

Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 would require equal involvement and leadership from women in politics and public life. However, statistics indicate that gender balance in politics is still a long way off and that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making globally.

Executive government roles held by women in politics

• As of October 1, 2024, there are 30 women holding the position of Head of State or Government in 29 different nations. It will take another 130 years to achieve gender equality in politics in the highest positions of power at the current rate.

• There are only 19 nations with female heads of state and 17 with female heads of governments.

• As of January 1, 2024, women make up 23.3% of Cabinet members who are in charge of ministries and a policy domain, according to data gathered by UN Women. Only fifteen nations have at least 50% of their Cabinet Ministers be female political leaders of key policy areas.

• Social inclusion and development, family and children affairs, social protection and social security, women and gender equality, and Indigenous and minority affairs are the five portfolios that women Cabinet Ministers hold the most frequently.

Women in national parliaments

• Women now make up only 26.9% of lawmakers in single or lower houses, compared to 11% in 1995.

• There are just six nations where there are fifty percent or more women in the single or lower house of parliament: Rwanda (sixty-one percent), Cuba (sixty-six percent), Nicaragua (fifty-four percent), Andorra (fifty percent), Mexico (fifty percent), New Zealand (fifty percent), and the United Arab Emirates (fifty percent).

• 22 additional nations—13 in Europe, 5 in Africa, 4 in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 1 in Asia-Pacific—have attained or surpassed the 40 percent mark.

• There are 21 states in the world where the percentage of women in politics in single or lower houses is less than 10%, including two lower chambers where there are no female lawmakers at all.

• gender equality in politics in national legislative bodies won't be reached before 2063 at the current rate of advancement.

• Women make up 33% of lawmakers in Europe and North America and 36% of parliamentary seats in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest percentage of female legislators (27%), followed by Eastern and Southeast Asia (23%), Oceania (20%), Central and Southern Asia, Northern Africa, and Western Asia, where women make up 18% of female MPs in each region.

Barriers Women Face in Politics

Main barriers to women's empowerment participation in politics include household obligations, low self-esteem, illiteracy, lack of role models, and lower aspirations, particularly evident in Bhutan. These challenges likely also affect countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

Education is a key factor; girls who miss school due to domestic responsibilities tend to have low self-esteem, hindering their political engagement. Additionally, the male-dominated political environment discourages women from pursuing political careers. This creates a cycle where women's empowerment underrepresentation leads to unmet demands, further diminishing their confidence to voice their opinions.

The unequal representation of genders in politics highlights societal gender inequality, affecting balanced development perspectives. Many countries are implementing programs to encourage female political participation, such as mandatory quotas in some Scandinavian nations and Rwanda.

While these initiatives are beneficial, addressing the root issue of gender inequality requires prioritizing women's education. Improved access to education will enhance women's self-esteem, empowering them to engage effectively in politics and assert their voices in society.

Shaping the Future of Global Leadership

Leaders usually have to deal with some leadership trends, but if you have the appropriate grace and talent, you may steer a solid course and emerge victorious. Remain calm and comfortable; we are here to assist you in recognizing the eight trends that will influence leadership in the future and navigating them!

• Artificial Intelligence

• Pace of change

• Purpose and meaning

• New talent landscape

• Globalization

• Motivation to stay, culture issues

• Morality, ethics, and transparency

• Handling a dud

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Eight strategies for organizations to empower the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs and breaking barriers in politics are listed below, as we strive to continue inspiring courage and a more inclusive vision for female leadership.

1. Enlighten women about their superpower.

2. Establish a culture of acceptance.

3. Create boards with greater diversity.

4. Make inclusiveness a part of the onboarding procedure.

5. Fit the candidate to the job rather than the job to the candidate.

6. Create publicity and opportunities for women.

7. Provide leadership development and mentoring opportunities both inside and beyond the company.

8. Recognize the importance of diversity in the workplace and how it may boost performance and productivity.

Conclusion:

With more women breaking barriers in politics, the future of leadership is bright. A more equal future is being paved by the strong role models that young girls today have to look up to and aspire to.
Not only are women in leadership breaking down barriers, but they are also making the globe a more prosperous and inclusive place for everyone. Their triumphant and tenacious tales encourage us to dispel prejudices and enable women in leadership roles. It is clear that women in leadership roles will continue to influence the future, bringing about constructive change and dismantling obstacles that were once thought to be insurmountable. As we all strive to create a more varied and equitable world, it is a journey that deserves to be celebrated and supported.

FAQ:

1. What are the main barriers women face in politics?

Cultural and societal barriers, such as financial hardships, discrimination, violence, and illiteracy, greatly influence the degree and forms of women's empowerment participation in politics.

2. How has the representation of women in politics changed over time?

5.9% of elected heads of state (9 out of 152) and 6.7% of elected heads of government (13 out of 193) are female as of January 1, 2021.

With five out of nine heads of state and seven out of thirteen heads of government being women, Europe is the continent with the highest percentage of female leaders. At the moment, women hold the leadership positions in the Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway.

3. Why is it important to have more women in political leadership?

Concerns about drinking water and road improvements are among the concerns that female elected officials bring up most often. For men, the most important issues are water, roads, irrigation, and education. Welfare concerns, including child care, maternal health, and violence against women, are also likely to be raised by women.

4. What are some key examples of successful women political leaders?

Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom (1979–1990), Golda Meir of Israel (1969–1974), and Indira Gandhi of India (1966–1977; she served again 1980–1984). The longest-serving female head of state is Angela Merkel of Germany, who held the position from 2005 to 2021.

5. How can we encourage more women to enter politics?

"Bridging gaps in education, renegotiating gender roles, the gender division of labor, and addressing biased attitudes" are additional ways that women might be empowered. Families can also empower women to engage, and women who have familial backing are more likely to run for office.