Obstacles and difficulties for women to be a leader

The spread of features and qualities traditionally associated with women leading organizations with global reach is called the feminization of global leadership because males have usually occupied the majority of leadership roles in society. The concept of leadership has been imbued with stereotypically masculine characteristics such as assertiveness, aggression, dominance, and competitiveness.

Leadership does not have to be a manly trait. When studying the basic characteristics of leadership, researchers discovered no gender disparities in leadership effectiveness. Women have made great progress in terms of education and labor force participation during the last five decades. Women have always been leaders, and they may be found in every culture and period.

Male leaders, on the other hand, outweighed female leaders in practically every situation. In business, military, political, and other sectors of economy and society, male leadership has dominated. In recent years, women have gained more access to middle management jobs, but top leaders and executives remain still uncommon. In executive leadership positions, women are underrepresented. The 'glass ceiling' is the most widely recognized cause of the issue mentioned above. It refers to invisible hurdles that impede women from moving up the corporate ladder beyond a certain point.

The number of women in the worldwide labor market has increased by 250 million since 2006, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2015. However, global pay for women now equals what men earned in 2006. According to a McKinsey analysis from 2012, Norway has the greatest female board involvement (40 %), and their law requires publicly-held firms to have at least 40% female board membership. Japan has the lowest female board presence (2 %). Women hold 24 % of top management positions around the world.

Women's Obstacles and Difficulties

Men excel in forming networks that enable them to advance to top positions. On the other hand, women miss out on conversations with mentors or sponsors who could encourage them to continue in line positions.

Line jobs also tend to be more stressful and have less flexibility, which may not appeal to women who want to start a family. Many businesses still have a gender preference for some roles, such as receptionists. Sexual harassment has a significant impact on many women's experiences in education, business, and politics. According to research, women's advancement into top management positions is hampered by their view of women and their judgement of their outsider status in a male-dominated business.

Work-life balance is one of the most difficult hurdles for women aspiring to or currently holding leadership roles. Women are more likely to be the primary caregivers for their children and other family members when they are in their prime working years. They are more likely than men to work part-time and be in and out of work due to family obligations and responsibilities.

Women who do not have paid leave are more likely to leave their jobs after having a child than those who do. Earnings disparities between men and women also play a role in the leadership divide. Organizational barriers refer to men and women being hired and promoted differently, which creates a big roadblock for women aspiring to senior management positions. When men dominate top-level management, they are more likely to encourage other men similar to them.

Women face new challenges due to globalization; for example, organization expansion may necessitate senior executives relocating to other cities and countries. For women with kids and other commitments, they would be a significant impediment. Because of their views and preconceptions that women cannot run a corporation properly, several countries will simply refuse to interact with a female executive.

The traditional belief is that women lack the requisite abilities and traits for leadership and are submissive, emotional, and have a tough time making decisions. When a woman's leadership behavior is judged more harshly than when a man is presented, gender bias is evident. Despite overcoming educational gaps and demonstrating a desire for leadership positions, women have not made significant progress.

India must focus on women's empowerment to become the world's fastest-expanding economy shortly. Women's appointment must be understood as a process aimed at achieving gender equality and a balanced economy. As a result, women's empowerment is often referred to as the country's growth path.

As a result, everyone in the country must work together to achieve gender equality.

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