Do Women In The U.S. Still Strongly Struggle In Ascending To Leadership Regarding Corporate And Governmental Institutions?
Over the history of civilization, leadership still poses great challenges. Also, the concept of leadership sparks intense debates across the globe. The underrepresentation of women in influential positions of power has given rise to uncountable commissions, conferences, committees and awareness campaigns. The numerous centers of leadership set up seem to be tackling the problem. However, the solution remains to be a tall order to make. Studies conducted previously give frustrating facts on poor representation of women in leadership tasks. Legislation to remedy inequality in leadership opportunities seems to be farfetched. This article aims at assessing the subject with a focus on two primary articles which tackle the question above (Merida).
Discussion
During the United Nations women’s conference in 1995 in Beijing, the then first lady of America, Hillary Rodham Clinton gave a very compelling speech. Being a woman in a powerful position in a super power country, Secretary Hillary captured great insights on inequality in leadership. She noted that every federal state maintained the legislation of human rights. However, to the disappointment of many, women’s rights are yet to be integrated in the society as a section of the human rights. She went further to beseech the audience to be advocates of allowing freedom of speech amongst women. Additionally, nations within the United Nations umbrella practiced democracy. Secretary Hilton went further to stress that democracy should give the women within the society to participate in political and social issues freely (Quindlen).
The coalition of Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama during the presidential campaigns gave a glimpse of hope to the feminists. Barrack Obama, being raised by a single parent, gave hope to a paradigm shift in America. Americans hoped for better healthcare and social welfare altogether. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton, who had held powerful positions before, gave hope for fulfilled promises. Together, Hillary and Obama could enforce connection and collaboration. The community of women under oppressions and neglect hoped for improved welfare for women. Over the ages, the society believes women bear the capability to promote education, sound governance and prosperity. Contrastingly, the society remains to be reluctant in letting women take the leadership roles (Merida).
In America, the society confines women to unequal and separate domestic sphere. The absence of women in leadership roles gives women the unequal status. On the other hand, the lack of consensus on cultural perspectives presents a social concern for the American women. In her article, Anna Quindlen notes that statistics according to the Global Fund for Women indicates disappointing facts. Girls receive little or no education while as women represents two-thirds of the global population who live in poverty. Contrastingly, research shows that women tend to be obligated to cater for the aged, the sick as well as raise the children. As various researchers indicate, the empowerment of women leads to aggregate development of the society. First, research indicated that the maternal education potentially minimizes malnutrition in children. Additionally, studies indicate evidence of a connection between women leadership with a decrease in corruption (Quindlen).
Anna further analyzes Hilary Clinton’s speech given in Beijing when she identifies the theme of focus on effectiveness. Considering that Liberia has had a woman president, critics go on in speculating on reasons why Hillary is not president of America yet. However, Anna disputes the speculations with a focus on Clinton’s speech. In this particular speech, Clinton stressed the need to enforcing improved standards of living across the world. Additionally, leaders need to focus on establishing an effective alliance. These two aspects should be considered in-depth so as to curb the selfish notion of winning against every odds. The society needs to embrace newer values. In addition, leaders need to brace up to fight against terrorism and poverty. With reference to this, Anna illuminates the plight of Afghanistan girls whose scared faces act as a symbol for a much-needed freedom (Quindlen).
Having read Clintons speech, one cannot fail to identify the struggles of women of leadership. With trends and influences within the politics of America in mind, Hillary risked offending many individuals. However, for the fight of democracy and equality in the society, Hillary used the United Nations women’s conference to reach out. Taking this as her individual initiative to combat unequal distribution of opportunities on the society, a society in the contemporary world needs to act upon the matter. Hillary vehemently detests oppression of women along religious or social class lines. Instead, she notes that the involvement of women in the family leads to better communities and the nation at large (Quindlen).
Alternatively, an article by Kathy Caprino that features on the Forbes website also endeavors to promote equality in leadership opportunities. The article focuses on Sheryl WunDunn, who besides being a journalist, banker and author own the Half Sky movement. The Half Sky Movement mainly focuses on supporting rights of women across the world through mobile gaming components, the media as well as social platforms. Sheryl notes that the critical matters on the plight of women spread across various spectra. These matters include domestic abuse, maternal mortality and concerns of women who lack a voice (Caprino).
Though America practices democracy, prejudice against women can be observed even at workplaces. Sheryl notes that women barely rise through ranks of leadership due to various reasons. First, corporate cultures result in inadequate appraisal of women. As a result, the corporate America lacks an understanding of the effects of leadership that lacks a representation of women. Secondly, women do not support each other efficiently. Thirdly, the society still holds on to traditional culture where women lacked the capability to take up leadership (Caprino).
Sheryl further notes that America needs better women representation in leadership. Statistics shows that women in the House and the Senate represent only twenty percent of the leaders. Having discussed in detail the status quo, Sheryl points out on reasons for fighting for a better society. First, the society needs to embrace diversity in leadership since it breeds better solution. Secondly, the corporate America needs to be aware of the economic and development and growth disparities that arise due to gender-based discrimination. Therefore, individuals need to take individual responsibility in fighting against inequality in leadership. In order for this war to be effective, individuals need to change their mindsets on the subject matter (Caprino).
In conclusion, leadership ought to be granted on equal gender platforms. Paradoxically, the society sidelines women who seem to be focused on leadership roles. Without changes within corporate cultures, women may not be equally represented in leadership roles within institutions. Also, women need to be supportive of women in power. For instance, women could collectively decide to vote in a female leader since they tend to be of a larger population (Caprino).Anna Quindlen article, “The End of Swagger,” presents Hillary Clinton speech presented in 1995 United Nations conference. Clinton advocated for the rights and freedom of women since the society undermined their existence. In my opinion, the article presents its opinion in a logical, consistent and coherent manner. They are enough reasons why the rights of women must be allowed. It was time for the United States to change its negative perception towards the ability of women and promote their existence. On the other hand, in the article, “Why Women's Oppression Is the Moral Dilemma of Our Time - Sheryl WuDunn Speaks Out,” Caprino discusses the challenges that affect women especially in their efforts to seek for leadership. Women prejudice remains the utmost challenges in the modern world. Women are denied the opportunity to ascend to leadership. The article expresses the negative effect of male chauvinism in an indirect manner, and it champions for equality and fairness. It is important to make the world a better place to live in.
Works Cited
Caprino, Kathy. Why Women’s Oppression Is the Moral Dilemma. Forbes.com 2009. Web. 30 November 2014 from http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2013/08/29/why-womens-oppression-is-the-moral-dilemma-o
Merida L. Johns, PhD, RHIA. “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Structural, Cultural, and Organizational Barriers Preventing Women from Achieving Senior and Executive Positions.” Perspectives in Health Information Management (Winter 2013): 1-11. http://perspectives.ahima.org/breaking-the-glass-ceiling-structural-cultural-and-organizational-barriers-preventing-women-from-achieving-senior-and-executive-positions/
Quindlen, Anna. The end of Swagger. newsweek.com 2009. Web. 30 November 2014 from http://www.newsweek.com/anna-quindlen-end-swagger-78179
