Women: The Best Candidates For The Job

Women have long fought for equal rights and representation, and while some progress has been made, patriarchal and misogynistic ideals persist. In the Philippines, for example, men are traditionally viewed as physically and emotionally stronger and are expected to dominate women in various fields. However, more and more women are excelling in male-dominated industries and achieving success through their unique leadership qualities. Esther Wachs Book's book, Why the Best Man for the Job Is a Woman, highlights the strategies of successful businesswomen, showcasing how they have risen to the top. It's important to recognize that being a woman doesn't automatically make one a good leader, but rather a combination of factors, including competence, experience, and a moral compass, are necessary.

Women in leadership roles

Women have fought for equal rights and representation for centuries, and while some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to eradicate patriarchal and misogynistic ideals that persist in society. Despite this, women have proven that they can replace men or excel over them in male-dominated industries.

In the Philippines, for example, patriarchy has long been embedded in the culture since Spanish colonisation, with men deemed physically and emotionally stronger and expected to dominate women in various fields. However, more and more women have stepped up and chosen their paths, demonstrating their capabilities in leadership roles.

A 2019 study by Investing in Women found that male employees in the Philippines earned more than female workers and had more opportunities to climb their companies' hierarchies. Nevertheless, women have proven they possess the qualities of leadership that top firms are seeking. Esther Wachs Book, a former Forbes reporter, identifies seven key, uniquely female qualities of leadership that are propelling women to the top. These include heightened emotions, eagerness to help and listen to others, courage, and being a good listener.

Women leaders like Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's Prime Minister, have demonstrated strength and efficacy in addressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Leni Robredo, a presidential candidate in the Philippines, has shown grit and moral courage in her political choices. She took on the war on drugs, even though her advisers thought it would be political suicide.

Women bring a unique perspective to leadership, and their success in various sectors, including business and politics, highlights their capabilities. They are not just "helpers" or "support" but rather competent and courageous leaders who can shape a better future.

Female leaders' strategies for success

Firstly, women leaders are able to play the game in the "notorious boys' club of corporate America", as evidenced by leading businesswomen such as Meg Whitman of eBay and Marcy Carsey of Carsey-Warner and Oxygen Media. They are able to beat men at their own game, while also bringing something new to the table.

Secondly, women leaders possess emotional intelligence, which is the ability to see beyond cold, hard facts and understand how policies will affect people on the ground. This is often misconstrued as "softness" or "weakness", but in fact, it is a strength that women leaders can leverage to make holistic decisions.

Thirdly, women leaders have courage. Leni Robredo, for example, took on the challenge of leading the war on drugs, despite her advisers thinking it was political suicide. She also has a sharp moral compass, which is another key quality of successful female leaders. She was willing to take on a difficult task and let the chips fall where they may, in the pursuit of what is right.

Fourthly, successful women leaders are good listeners. They are able to collaborate and show empathy, which are important skills in building strong teams.

Fifthly, they are able to identify new opportunities. This quality, coupled with courage, is a powerful tool for female leaders to create change and topple systems that have been in place for years.

Sixth, female leaders are able to strengthen the group, rather than just their own role or position in a company. They focus on the collective and are team-oriented, which inspires loyalty and encourages collaboration.

Finally, women leaders are able to use their "female" qualities to their advantage. They embrace their strengths and use them to excel in their careers, such as their heightened emotions and their eagerness to help and listen to others.

These seven strategies are key to the success of female leaders and are helping to create a more equal future, where women are achieving positions of power and influence and making a positive impact.

The challenges faced by women in the workplace

• Hiring and Promotion Bias: Women often have to work harder than their male counterparts to secure jobs or promotions. They are frequently passed over for opportunities, even when equally or more qualified. This is exacerbated in male-dominated industries, where women are underrepresented in leadership positions.
• Gender Pay Gap: On average, women still earn less than men for performing the same work. This is evident in the Philippines, where male employees earn significantly more than their female counterparts. The wage gap persists despite increasing awareness and efforts to address it.
• Family Planning and Maternity Discrimination: Women are often questioned about their family planning intentions during job interviews, with employers viewing motherhood as a disadvantage. This form of discrimination persists, even though a woman's qualifications and capabilities remain unchanged by having children.
• Stereotypes and Gender Norms: Societal expectations and stereotypes about women's roles can hinder their career advancement. In many cultures, women are still expected to be the primary caregivers and homemakers, which can limit their opportunities for career development and leadership roles.
• Lack of Representation: There is a lack of female representation in positions of power, especially in politics. This imbalance perpetuates the challenges faced by women, as their perspectives and struggles may not be adequately understood or addressed by predominantly male leadership.
• Glass Ceiling: The glass ceiling refers to the invisible barriers that prevent women from advancing to senior positions within organizations. These barriers can include gender bias, lack of mentorship, and exclusion from professional networks. As a result, women may find it difficult to reach the highest levels of leadership, even in industries where they are well-represented.
• Sexual Harassment and Discrimination: Women often face sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, which can create a hostile work environment and further hinder their career advancement.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to implement policies that promote gender equality, provide support for working mothers, and ensure equal opportunities for women in hiring, promotion, and compensation. Additionally, increasing female representation in leadership positions can help to break down gender stereotypes and inspire future generations of women leaders.

The advantages of female leadership

Women have unique qualities that make them excellent leaders. From Meg Whitman of eBay to Marcy Carsey of Carsey-Warner and Oxygen Media, today's leading businesswomen are excelling in the corporate world. They are proving that the days of men calling the shots are over.

Women are increasingly replacing men or outperforming their male rivals in male-dominated industries. They possess the qualities of leadership that top firms are seeking today. Esther Wachs Book, in her book, "Why the Best Man for the Job Is a Woman", identifies seven key qualities that are distinct to female leaders and are helping them achieve success. These qualities are turning the world around and allowing more women to reach the top.

Women leaders have the courage to challenge and change the status quo. They bring a fresh perspective and a different style of leadership that focuses on strengthening the group rather than the individual. They are collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic, and possess excellent listening skills. They are also intuitive and holistic in their approach to problem-solving, which is an asset in today's business climate.

In the context of the Philippines, Leni Robredo, the country's Vice President, is a shining example of female leadership. She has demonstrated grit, moral courage, and a sharp moral compass in her political career. Despite facing challenges and pushback, she has shown that women can lead with both competence and compassion. Robredo is part of a long line of women in Philippine history who have exhibited the strength of female leadership, including the legendary warrior Princess Urduja of Pangasinan and Princess Tarhata Kiram of Sulu.

The Philippines is unique among Asian cultures in that it lacks mythic tales that justify male dominance. However, with the arrival of Spanish colonisation, machismo and systemic inequalities were introduced, and these patriarchal and misogynistic ideals continue to persist in contemporary society. Despite this, women in the Philippines are breaking barriers and excelling in various fields.

Female leaders bring a much-needed perspective and set an example for future generations. They inspire and empower other women to pursue their ambitions and challenge gender stereotypes. By recognising and valuing the unique qualities that women bring to leadership, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society.

The importance of female role models

Female role models are of paramount importance in shaping a better future for our society. They inspire and empower young girls and women to pursue their aspirations, challenging gender stereotypes and breaking down barriers. The presence of successful female leaders in various fields serves as a testament to the capabilities and strengths that women bring to the table.

In the book "Why the Best Man for the Job Is a Woman", Esther Wachs highlights the unique qualities of female leadership that are propelling women to the top of their industries. She showcases how women like Meg Whitman of eBay and Marcy Carsey of Carsey-Warner are excelling in the corporate world, previously dominated by men. These women possess leadership qualities that are in high demand by top firms, such as collaboration, empathy, and courage.

Female role models are crucial in breaking free from patriarchal and misogynistic ideals that continue to persist in our society. They challenge the notion that women should be meek and dependent, confined to traditional gender roles. By seeing women in positions of power, young girls can envision themselves in similar roles, knowing that their gender will not limit their potential.

Furthermore, female role models contribute to a more holistic and compassionate approach to leadership. As Swiss psychiatrist Paul Tournier observes, women bring their gift of feeling to the forefront, integrating their left and right brains. This emotional intelligence allows for policymaking that considers the concrete impact on people's lives, moving beyond abstract facts.

In conclusion, female role models are essential in reshaping societal norms, inspiring future generations, and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic leadership style. They challenge gender biases and prove that capabilities and strengths transcend gender boundaries. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women, we move closer to a future where equality and diversity thrive.

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