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Breaking The Silence: Unveiling The Resilient Voices Of Women In Leadership
BY: Renee Reisch
The voices of men have long dominated the world of leadership, drowning out the unique perspectives and invaluable contributions of women. While progress has been made in breaking down some barriers, the challenges women face in positions of power continue to keep them silent. In this eye-opening piece, we embark on a journey to unmask the hidden struggles of women in leadership and shed light on their remarkable resilience and undeniable impact on the world.
Throughout history, women have fought tirelessly for their rights, voices, and place at the table. Yet, despite remarkable advancements in gender equality, the glass ceiling persists because society has ingrained certain expectations and stereotypes that make it difficult for women to be heard and taken seriously in leadership roles. From unconscious bias to outright discrimination, women confront obstacles that undermine their authority and cripple their confidence.
Challenges Of Women In Leadership
One of the women's greatest challenges in leadership is the pervasive societal expectation of "likability." As such, a woman who asserts herself too strongly is labeled aggressive or bossy, while a man displaying the same traits is hailed as confident and assertive.
This constant pressure to be competent and likable forces women to navigate through murky waters, stifling their authenticity and diluting their power. This double standard not only suppresses their voices but also perpetuates the notion that leadership is a male-dominated arena. We can shatter this notion by rejecting the whispers of doubt and embracing the fire that ignites us from within.
Another significant hurdle is the lack of support networks and mentors for women in leadership. The "old boys' club" mentality still pervades many industries, creating an exclusive network that shuts out women from crucial opportunities for growth and advancement. Without strong role models and advocates, women often find themselves isolated and deprived of the guidance and resources needed to thrive. It's time to break these barriers and establish inclusive networks that empower women and foster their success.
Added to this mix are family responsibilities that disproportionately fall upon women, placing another layer of complexity on their leadership journey. The expectation of being successful in their careers while being nurturing caregivers places an immense strain on women, leaving little room for self-care and personal growth. The absence of policies that support work-life balance perpetuates this imbalance and hinders women from reaching their full potential.
Despite these challenges, countless remarkable women have emerged as beacons of inspiration and change. Their stories of resilience remind us of the power that lies within every woman. Take, for example, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a trailblazing legal icon and associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. Throughout her career, she championed women's rights and fought against gender discrimination. Her lifelong dedication to justice and equality and tireless efforts to expand civil rights have left an indelible mark on American law.
Kamala Harris made history in 2021 by becoming the first black woman and Asian-American woman to hold the office of Vice President of the United States. Her groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers and inspired women of all backgrounds to believe in their ability to break through the glass ceiling of politics.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who defied the Taliban and fought for girls' rights to education. In 2012, at the age of 15, she survived an assassination attempt and went on to become the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate for her advocacy work. Her unwavering determination to empower girls and promote education has made her a global symbol of courage and resilience.
Oprah Winfrey has paved the way for women around the world. In the realm of influential figures, she has left her mark on society, and her journey - from her humble beginnings to her rise as a media mogul - is evidence of her unyielding determination as well as a masterclass in gaining confidence in adversity. Despite encountering obstacles and skepticism along the way in an industry that often undervalued her talent and underestimated her potential, she never allowed doubt to overshadow her aspirations. Instead, she harnessed her experiences as fuel for personal growth and honed her skills by cultivating her unique ability to connect with people on a profound level.
Through sheer determination and unwavering self-belief, these women navigated the often-tumultuous waters of leadership, refusing to be silenced. Their stories testify to the indomitable spirit that fuels women's quest and determination to make a difference.
As a society, we must recognize that the inclusion and elevation of women's roles in leadership positions benefit not only individuals but the collective. Diverse voices bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a more holistic approach to decision-making. It is in our best interest to dismantle the barriers that keep women silent and actively create environments where their voices are heard and respected.
Coming from over 25 years in the corporate world, I have seen firsthand how women's voices become stifled and how easy it is to assimilate to expectations yet not live your true calling.
How do I know this? Because my voice was taken away both physically and metaphorically in 2013. While leading multi-million-dollar teams, I lost sight of myself. Confidence was something I had in others, and because of that, I was able to lead them to great success. The more they achieved, the more responsibility I was given. I began looking for outside validation for inner self-worth.
LOA
Here I was, a leader, taken out on a Leave of Absence with no voice and a degree of pain in my throat I had never experienced in my life. Doctors didn't even know if I would ever speak again.
Why am I sharing this in an article about women in leadership? By infusing my personal experience, I believe that other women can relate, see where they have lost their voice along their own journey, and know that the pain they have experienced or are currently experiencing will not last.
I didn’t understand it then because I was not aware it was part of the spiritual journey I was embarking upon.
In fact, during that time, LOA meant Leave of Absence. Today, it has a completely different connotation: It stands for the Law of Attraction. The frequency we put out into the world is the same frequency that gets returned to us. The word frequency itself is also how often we do something.
One might ask, why would anyone ever bring anything but good health and success into their lives? Consciously, no one would. However, I challenge you to ask yourself what narrative you are running on autopilot in the back of your mind. Is it filled with affirmations of your strength and power – or one of degradation about how you will never be "good enough?"
The two most powerful words in the English language are "I AM." Whatever you say after that shapes your future. Flip the switch, change the channel, and tune into a clear station. Change doesn't happen overnight, but the minute you decide you want your life to change, you start shifting into a new paradigm.
Leadership And Confidence
Leadership is an inside job, and so is confidence. It may appear seamless to observers, but you must first lead yourself in order to become an effective leader. That is where the real work comes into play.
Don't be afraid to be vulnerable with yourself. This is not an exercise in self-deprecation; it is one to help you peel back the layers and realize the gem that has always been at your core is still there, ready to shine her light into this world.
Confidence is not a destination, but rather a lifelong journey that requires introspection, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront one's fears and insecurities head-on.
Remember Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz?" Growing up as a young girl, I never knew why I liked this story so much until I realized it was the narrative that I had been playing out my whole life.
To refresh your memory, Dorothy was thrust into a land far away from her home, and while looking for her way back, she came across several characters. The first was the Scarecrow, who was looking for a brain, though he was the smartest one there thus far. Then she came across the Tinman, looking for a heart. Nevertheless, he already had the biggest heart, so much so that Dorothy had to keep his can of oil handy so he wouldn't rust.
They also came across the Cowardly Lion, who was looking for courage, but actually exhibited so much courage when he leaped in front of the Wicked Witch of the West to protect Dorothy and all the other characters. And then there was Dorothy, who was told she needed the ruby slippers the wicked witch was wearing so she could return home.
While this is a fictional story, it tells us the truth that we each have within us, the very thing we seek to find outside. Dorothy didn't need the ruby glass slippers, nor did any of the other characters need the thing that they were looking for. You have everything you need inside of you.
Confidence, therefore, is not a gift bestowed upon a chosen few. It is a powerful force that lies dormant within every one of us. It is a fire that must be rekindled to light our path forward.
To embrace true leadership, we must first recognize our own worth. We must understand that our value does not hinge upon external validation or conformity to societal norms but instead emanates from the core of our being, radiating an unwavering belief in our abilities, vision, and capacity to effect change.
Confidence is a blend of our triumphs, failures, and resilience we cultivate along the way. It is in facing our adversities that we forge an unbreakable spirit.
As women in leadership, we dare to challenge the status quo. We must not allow ourselves to be defined by others' limited expectations or confined by predetermined roles. Instead, we must carve our path and rewrite the leadership narrative to embrace our unique strengths and perspectives.
Mentorship becomes an invaluable asset. Seek out those who have walked the path before you and are a few steps ahead of where you want to be, those who have overcome their battles and emerged victorious. Their wisdom, guidance, and support will fuel your growth, inspire you, and amplify your impact and your voice in the world.
Embrace the power of sisterhood because together, we are an unstoppable force. Our strength propels us toward greatness. Uplift one another, celebrate each other's achievements, and support each other through any trials we face. It is in building a community that we find unity.
Leadership is not about a position of power to be used for personal gain. It is a responsibility. It is a call to uplift, serve, and effect positive change. As we ascend the ranks, let us never lose sight of our purpose, the betterment of our organizations, our communities, and the world.
It is time to move forward fearlessly – to rise above self-doubt, societal limitations, and the constraints of an outdated narrative. Embrace the power of confidence unapologetically and step into our greatness. Together, we can rewrite history, leaving a legacy of empowered women leaders who fearlessly redefine leadership possibilities.
The time is now. The world is waiting. Let us, as women, lead with unwavering confidence, lighting a spark that will illuminate the path for generations to come.
The journey towards gender equality in leadership and women's empowerment is far from over. By shedding light on women's challenges, we step toward eradicating the biases holding them back. Let's celebrate the resilience, strength, and resolve of women in leadership. Together, we can break the chains of silence, uplift each other's voices, and create a world where true equality thrives.
About the author:
Renee Reisch is a four-time best-selling author, speaker, founder of Finding your Voice Nework Magazine and a Women's Life and Leadership Coach. After over twenty-five years of workingin Corporate America, Renee decided to hang up the corporate ladder and started her professional training and speaking as an instructor at WHW (Women Helping Women). In this non-profit organization, she donated her time helping the unemployed and underemployed find and keep their jobs.
When a devastating illness took away her voice, followed by the loss of her est friend and then father a few years later, Renee decided to follow their example to never give up. That legacy led Renee to choose to live her life and help others, showing them that there is always a way out just when they feel life is closing in on them.
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