How far women have not come, yet.
Female leadership at all levels, across organisations and countries, is one of my longest held passions. Sadly, some of the recent news have made me feel angry and frustrated.
What's making me angry?
The global gender pay gap, with current trends, might close in 83 years (source: World Economic Forum). So not for our daughters, but perhaps for our granddaughters or great-granddaughters. Provided there are no hick-ups along the way. Not holding my breath.
Women hold only ~15% of board positions globally, despite a growing body of evidence that companies with more women on boards have better financial results than those that have fewer (more details). Yet, we repeatedly hear the argument of "there simply aren’t capable women for these roles”. Funny how it is rarely a problem to appoint incompetent men for these positions.
Male STEM faculty assessed the quality of real research that demonstrated bias against women in STEM as being low (this body of evidence shows for example that women had to be 2.5 times more productive than the men in order to be rated equally scientifically competent by the senior scientists evaluating their applications). If even these smart, educated men don’t believe the statistical evidence of unconscious bias, how will we ever overcome it? If you struggle to believe this is true - I certainly wished it wasn't true - you can read all about it here.
“In short, women are underpaid, underrepresented and undervalued. I want to do something about it. Do you?”
In short, women are still underpaid, underrepresented and undervalued. I must confess I began to feel very disheartened about the lack of progress. I even briefly entertained the thought of how my life might be different - better pay, higher social status, more facial hair (see the photo above) had I been born a man.
Luckily, this phase didn't last long. I did resolve that however huge the task of making the gender balance, pay and status more equal, I had to tackle it. And I would like you to do something about it too.
If you see inequality - speak out! Unconscious bias (gender based or otherwise) means that what is obvious to you, is less so for others.
Be part of the solution. I am working together with a number of organisations and individuals to increase the number of women who can and want to lead with confidence. I would love to engage you in the process and catch up with you to brainstorm, share or debate any ideas of how we can boost female leadership for the benefit of all. Let me know when you would like to meet up.
Empower yourself. On 27 September, I am also running a half-day workshop (in Singapore) to get women leaders boosted or started in their journeys. Perhaps this is something you would like for yourself, or maybe you know someone who could benefit - there are a few place still available, so get in touch if you are interested. I promise it will be fun!