This is a worldwide issue, astoundingly "there are fewer women than there are men called John running the US's biggest companies. Analysis of the S&P 1500 companies found that 5.3% of CEOs were called John and 4.5% David, whilst just 4.1% were women." (The Independent)
The problem of women in work is yet to cease. We cannot be satisfied with the current situation. Despite there now being more working women, there is still an incredibly low proportion of women in high powered, executive jobs. The situation at Bank tube station highlights this. "Women hold fewer than third of top jobs" (BBC) This seems outrageous in this day and age, especially considering the fact that women have been campaigning for equality in the workplace for many years now.
With the upcoming general election, it worries me that "men outnumber women by four to one in Parliament."(BBC) And as a woman I do not feel that I am represented in our government. When wondering how this inequality come to be, it seems as though there is an argument which says that one of the major issues, aside from childbearing, is that the characteristics needed to be a leader are considered unattractive in women. That is to say, if a woman behaves in a confident, authoritative manner, she is likely to be labelled bossy and unpleasant. Whereas if a men is powerful, authoritative, and a good leader, he will be praised for these qualities. "Being visible and making your accomplishments known is essential to getting the kinds of experience that can move
you up into senior management, but some corporate cultures penalize women for that"(Fortune.com) This clearly demonstrates the necessity for successful women to behave in a lady-like way, that is
somehow simultaneously boasting about one's achievements.
If we take the example of Margaret Thatcher, it has been found that "even women prefer leaders in typically female roles to have a Thatcheresque, 'masculine' voice." (The Telegraph) This is demonstrative of the wider issue, namely that in order to obtain a powerful position, it is necessary for women to take on certain 'manly' characteristics, for it is only then that they will gain sufficient power and respect from society.
With the upcoming general election, it worries me that "men outnumber women by four to one in Parliament."(BBC) And as a woman I do not feel that I am represented in our government. When wondering how this inequality come to be, it seems as though there is an argument which says that one of the major issues, aside from childbearing, is that the characteristics needed to be a leader are considered unattractive in women. That is to say, if a woman behaves in a confident, authoritative manner, she is likely to be labelled bossy and unpleasant. Whereas if a men is powerful, authoritative, and a good leader, he will be praised for these qualities. "Being visible and making your accomplishments known is essential to getting the kinds of experience that can move
you up into senior management, but some corporate cultures penalize women for that"(Fortune.com) This clearly demonstrates the necessity for successful women to behave in a lady-like way, that is
somehow simultaneously boasting about one's achievements.
If we take the example of Margaret Thatcher, it has been found that "even women prefer leaders in typically female roles to have a Thatcheresque, 'masculine' voice." (The Telegraph) This is demonstrative of the wider issue, namely that in order to obtain a powerful position, it is necessary for women to take on certain 'manly' characteristics, for it is only then that they will gain sufficient power and respect from society.
To me it seems absurd that only those more 'masculine' women are able to reach executive positions. Women should not have to act differently in order to progress through their careers, instead society should value women for their unique characteristics. For this reason this is not an issue which solely affects women. In fact, I would argue that it is damaging for the whole of society. Without a balance between males and females in the work place, we are missing out on many skills possessed by women that could prove hugely beneficial if we were to profit from them.
In summary, the under representation of women in executive positions is one we need to combat, because it cannot continue to be blamed solely on the biological issues of childbirth. It is important that we recognise women for their unique skills instead of ignoring them all, save those who act in a suitably masculine way. This is an issue which, I believe, is holding back our society. We need to make use of our whole workforce, not just 50%, in order to reach our full potential.
Written by Lili
Picture Credit: Lili
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18187449
http://fortune.com/2013/01/17/why-are-there-still-so-few-women-in-top-leadership-jobs/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/9741902/Women-prefer-female-leaders-with-Thatcheresque-deep-voices.html
The Independent, quoted in the Week magazine, March 2015
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