Why does the world even need women leaders?

“We need to move beyond the idea that girls can be leaders and create the expectation that they should be leaders” – Condoleezza Rice

This does not imply we undermine men leaders or don’t need them, but rather we need more women leaders because women have a different leadership style. They bring long term thinking, almost a legacy mind-set to decision making – which will be critical to influence decisions for the future of our planet. Women tend to be collaborative and invested in building relationships. If the world is to effectively combat the effects of climate change, it will need to be united in its stand, with both men and women cooperating and coordinating the choices and decisions we make. Also, women tend to be more inclusive and concerned about the vulnerable and less able. In crisis situations, women are better equipped as they think in a holistic way and better apply a participative leadership style [1]

We see women take ownership and lead the household or local community in times of distress. During the Dec 2016 cyclone in Chennai, I saw my mother-in-law take leadership of the house and protect it from the vagaries of nature. She took care of everyone in the house from her own mother (who is almost 90 years old) to her grandson (who is 5 years old), ensuring all their requests were responded to. She innovated to prepare food for the whole family even though there was no electricity for 3 days and no fresh milk available. When water started entering the house, she instinctively led everyone in the house to collaborate and reduce the damage. Like my mother-in-law, we need more women in decision making positions to protect this planet – our home.

The need for women to be part of decisions that could affect the future of planet is immediate. Homeward Bound is a global program for women to develop their leadership and strategic capabilities, using science education and the research findings to build conviction around the importance of their voices on climate change and the detrimental effects of human activities on our environment. This initiative, turned global movement, aims to heighten the influence and impact of women in leadership positions to influence policy and decision making that is critical for the future of our planet.

[1] Women Matter 3, Mckinsey & Co

[2] Photo by Carol Devine