Importance of Female Leadership in Higher Education in Pakistan
WRITTEN BY: ENGR.TASKEEN ZAFAR
GRADUATED AS ELECTRICAL ENGINEER FROM UOS.
“Be yourself, you are the only person who can make your unique contribution. Your authenticity is your strength – be you.”, says Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the US House of Representatives
The benefits of diversity and gender equality in the leadership and decision-making should not be underestimated. Women are moral and civic-minded, and practice diversity. Women leaders seek to further economic, social and political progress for all. Encouraged women will improve consequences and bring about results. The glass cliff, which is relative to the glass ceiling, is a phenomenon that is seen throughout the world which says : that women are more likely to be employed at an elevated position when a company is not doing well. Women adopt these roles and succeed not in failing but in successfully transforming the company they serve.
Why Female Leadership Is Important?
Female leadership matters a lot in higher education. Women see the world through a lens of opportunity. They are powerful agents of change. Women are passionate, creative ,resourceful,authentic and practical.They engage in deliberate thinking and are innovative and action-focused. They are lively, compliant and work well in relational environments. Women are team-orientated, comprehensive and cooperative. They bring different skills, qualities and viewpoints to leadership and lead differently then men.
Studies on women’s leadership show that women are more likely than men to present transformational leadership characteristics which motivate innovation and growth through team work. The business case of women’s leadership in the corporate world demonstrates that companies with more women board members are more profitable. Over the past three years, the Global Citizen Award for World Leaders has been awarded to women leaders who, despite being few in number, have used their political influence to improve the lives of people in poverty.
Women have been building up their agency and readiness for leadership in higher education. It is clear that in spite of the systemic and cultural barriers in higher education and society, women continue to seek opportunities for leadership, with successful women leaders finding ways to support other women individually through mentorship and leadership development.
Women Leaders Can Provide Better Mentorship
Women need role models. Strong female leaders understand this need and enjoy inspiring other women to achieve their goals. They occupy a uniquely important role in mentorship and in legitimising the contributions of other women. Especially for the younger generation, the power of role models cannot be neglected. Regardless of a person’s gender, all people need someone who will guide them to progress in their careers. Specifically, for mentoring and coaching young talent, women leaders are better mentors than men. Women highlight personal development and focus on developing others, supporting the individual and making a real and lasting difference in the world.
According to a study, 29% of women believe that their gender will be an obstacle to progress. To overcome this obstacle, women in leadership positions can take this chance and begin empowering the bright young minds of the next generation.
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg
Conclusion
Having female leadership in higher education is of high importance as it leads to a more positive environment all around. Women may not always realize how composed for achievement they are in leadership roles, but their potential and capabilities are irrefutable.
Empathy, open-mindedness, mindfulness, pressure handling, multitasking, and open communication are some of the innate traits of female leaders which make them more in sync with their team.