Glass Ceilings

I hope you noticed I didn’t post last Sunday. So, yeah, I was prepared to post but unprepared for the fact that my location last week had no internet access and no phone connectivity. It was quite the bummer. Not relaxing at all, actually. I’ve discovered I’m not all that cool with ‘off the grid,” and I was truly aghast that my hostess lives much of her time in a secluded residence without internet access. Beautiful, yes, and for a weekend here or there, maybe, but…this says much more about me than it does about her, by the way. I admire her ability to unplug and just be. I did enjoy the company of my friends, and it wasn’t a prolonged visit so the lack of technology was minimal (ok, almost non-existent really), but it made me thankful for modern times and modern communication methods. Then last night I went to see the Barbie movie with gal pals, and this morning, I’m just thinking about modern times, how far we’ve come in some areas during my life time, women’s liberation movements, and specifically about my own leadership journey. This topic of women in the workplace was hot at dinner after the movie. My gal pals were all in their 30’s, so listening to their journeys was very different from mine and yet, alarmingly similar. In the thirty+ years since I joined the workforce, it should be vastly different…should'n’t it?

Throughout history, women have faced numerous challenges in their pursuit of leadership roles in various industries. Despite the obstacles, women have persistently risen to positions of leadership and power, reshaping the landscape of leadership across the globe. It was funny not-so-funny to me in the movie last night, that when we saw the corporate leadership conference room of the folks making all decisions about Barbie and how she influences culture and the little girls playing with her, the room was 100% male. I know. It was meant to be a message. It was meant to be funny (it was Will Ferrell, after all), and it was meant to be provocative. It worked, because I did laugh, and it did make me think. I have been in those rooms where I was the only woman, and I was recently in a position where the room was all women except for one man…who was the big boss. Of course. It was a nice change, but really, maybe not all that different. It’s confusing. I can see how it was a good thing that a man conscientiously made an effort to hire women, and I was thankful for that, and yet, the one high-earning person in the room with ultimate decision-making power was still male. Should I be thankful? If you haven’t seen the Barbie movie yet, and you’ve been in a location with no internet, you may not know about the speech that actress America Ferrera’s character makes about the difficulties in navigating being a woman, but it was very, very, thought-provoking, and accurate. If you haven’t seen it/read it, you should.

Let’s get out of our feelings and look at the research.

1. The importance of women in leadership

Numerous studies have shown that gender diversity in leadership teams positively impacts organizations' performance and profitability. Women bring unique perspectives, empathy, and communication skills to the table, which fosters a more collaborative and inclusive work environment. By breaking gender norms and entering leadership positions, women inspire younger generations and instill the belief that anyone, regardless of gender, can achieve their aspirations.

2. Overcoming Historical Barriers

Throughout history, women have faced systemic discrimination and stereotyping that hindered their progress in leadership roles. The suffragette movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant turning point for women's rights, eventually leading to the right to vote in many countries. Despite this progress, women still encountered countless barriers in the workplace, such as limited access to education, discriminatory hiring practices, and a lack of mentorship opportunities.

3. Trailblazers who Paved the Way

Despite the challenges, several extraordinary women defied the odds and made a lasting impact in leadership roles. Some notable examples include:

a) Indira Gandhi (1917-1984): The first female Prime Minister of India and one of the world's most powerful leaders, Indira Gandhi's legacy continues to inspire women across the globe.

b) Angela Merkel: As the first female Chancellor of Germany and a prominent figure on the international stage, Merkel showcased her leadership during times of crisis and earned global respect.

c) Mary Barra: Breaking barriers in the automotive industry, Mary Barra became the first female CEO of General Motors, demonstrating her capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

d) Malala Yousafzai: An advocate for girls' education and women's rights, Malala's courage and determination earned her a Nobel Peace Prize, making her a symbol of hope and empowerment.

4. Women in Leadership Today

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of women assuming leadership positions in various industries. From corporate boardrooms to political arenas, women have shown their ability to lead with skill and compassion. Initiatives like gender quotas and increased awareness of the importance of diversity have played a crucial role in driving this change.

5. Ongoing Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite significant progress, challenges persist for women in leadership. Gender bias, the gender pay gap, and the underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions remain prevalent issues (and anyone who thinks the pay gap isn’t real, give me a shout). Addressing these challenges requires continued advocacy, support, and structural changes in organizations and society at large. I’m also going to add here, that the men who decide to treat women at work like “one of the guys” by telling inappropriate jokes, yelling, public humiliation, etc., that’s not equality. That’s just really crappy leadership. Men shouldn’t be subjected to that behavior either.

Women in leadership roles have come a long way, breaking through barriers and challenging long-standing norms. Our contributions have enriched our world and set examples for future generations. By recognizing the importance of diversity in leadership and actively promoting gender equality, we can create a more inclusive, prosperous, and empowered society. We need to celebrate the achievements of women leaders and work together to ensure that the path to leadership is open to all, regardless of gender.

I loved Barbie when I was a kid. I loved her clothes, her hair, her cool stuff. And I enjoyed the movie. It was a little silly for me some times, but it made me think, which believe it or not was the point. I’m finding it intriguing that this morning, even though this was what I really wanted to write about, I did think that maybe it’s too provocative, too sensitive, that someone will be offended. Offended that…I have an opinion? That I’m speaking a truth borne from my own personal experience? That some man some where won’t hire me because I wrote a blog post? It’s been a weird morning. lol! But those thoughts, albeit fleeting, are what we as women contend with, and per my dinner conversation last night, it’s not just my generation either. We need to change that.

And ladies, to begin that change, we should be supporting one another. Standing up for one another. Promoting each other.

I’ll close out with one of my favorite lines in the movie, delivered by actress Kate McKinnon: Sing it Sister. :)