Why do women leaders still face so much resistance?

Female leadership continues to be a challenging topic, especially in the corporate context and in personal life. Even in times of significant progress in gender equality, many leaders still face judgment and resistance that seems rooted in cultural issues and stereotypes.

One of the main reasons for the distorted perception of women in leadership lies in the historical division of women’s roles. Culturally, an image of women as parents, caregivers and responsible for the harmony of the home has been created. This “mother” archetype contrasts with the idea of ​​women as a figure of power in the corporate environment.

The image of the executive woman, who takes leadership, requires creativity, assertiveness and firm decision-making, often conflicts with the traditional image of the woman responsible for caring for others.

This separation of roles creates discomfort both in companies and in personal life. Too often, men are seen as natural leaders, while women are judged more harshly for making similar decisions, as if there is an inherent contradiction between being a good mother or wife and being a competent leader.

And one of the biggest challenges we face is the permanence of female stereotypes. It is in this context that we must understand that talking about female diversity means recognizing that women do not fit into a single definition. The mistake of thinking that there is an “ideal model” of female leadership limits the creative, strategic and innovative potential of businesses and society.

Modern leadership requires a combination of skills: the ability to connect, inspire, listen, but also decide and act firmly. And these skills do not belong to a specific genre. In fact, women leaders have stood out precisely because they bring new perspectives to the business environment. Women in leadership often foster more collaborative organizational cultures, with greater inclusion, innovation and attention to employee well-being.

And overcoming the stigma surrounding women leaders requires a profound shift in how we view power, competence and gender. First, we need to break the idea that success in leadership is reserved for male role models. We need greater visibility for different styles, which value not only results, but the human impact on organizations.

Furthermore, the role of men in this process of change is fundamental. Men who lead with empathy and collaboration should be celebrated as much as women who do so, as it is this gender symbiosis that will strengthen companies in the future.

Finally, it is important to understand that women do not need to conform to any specific standard to be leaders. There is no single path to female success. Every woman can create her own, and true diversity arises from this multiplicity of trajectories. The more we celebrate differences, the stronger we will be as a society and as a business.

Female leadership is a source of innovation and strength, and it is up to all of us, men and women, to create the space for them to thrive without fear of judgment or repression.

It’s time to embrace a new leadership model, where gender is not a barrier, but a source of diversity and richness for our organizations.

João Roncati is director ofPeople + Strategy

strategic, planning and human development consultancy.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.