The Importance of Female Leadership in Today’s World

Posted by Kambala

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg (COO, Facebook)

Female leadership matters. Women are passionate, creative and resourceful. They see the world through a lens of opportunity. They are powerful agents of change. Women are authentic and practical, engage in strategic thinking and are innovative and action-focused. They are sociable, adaptable and work well in relational environments.

Women are team-orientated, inclusive and collaborative. They bring different skills, qualities and perspectives to leadership and, as studies show, lead differently to men. Increasingly, rather than being expected to think and act like men, our differences are recognised as sources of strength rather than weaknesses that inhibit the ability to grow, thrive or achieve success.

The benefits of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making should not be underestimated. Women are ethical and civic-minded, and champion diversity and issues of equality. Women leaders seek to further economic, social and political progress for all. Empowered women will improve outcomes and bring about results. The glass cliff, which is relative to the glass ceiling, is a phenomenon that is seen throughout the world: that women are more likely to be employed at an elevated position when a company is not faring well. Women embrace these roles (even with a greater risk of failure) and succeed not in failing but in successfully transforming the company they serve.

Women need role models. Strong female leaders understand this need and enjoy inspiring other women to achieve. They occupy a uniquely important role in mentorship and legitimising the contributions of other women. They prioritise personal development and focus on developing others, supporting the individual and making a real and lasting difference in the world.

“Be yourself”, says Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the US House of Representatives. “You are the only person who can make your unique contribution. Your authenticity is your strength – be you.”

In my role as Head of Senior School, it is imperative that the young women of Kambala know there is a sisterhood that stands with you. “You are powerful and your voice matters. You’re going to walk into many rooms in your life where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you’ve had. But you remember that when you are in those rooms, you are not alone. We are all in that room with you, applauding you on. Cheering your voice. And just so proud of you. So you use that voice and be strong.” – Kamala Harris.

 About the Author

Katherine Mar is Kambala’s Head of Senior School. In her role, she is responsible to the Principal and oversees the wellbeing, attendance and academic care of all students from Year 7 to Year 12 and the efficient functioning of relevant staff.

To learn more about Kambala, download our Prospectus, or contact Tracy Mulligan, Director of Enrolments on 02 9388 6844.

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