26/03/2018

Capable Women leaders, need of the hour


Abhilasha Rayamajhi 
In 2015 I conceptualised and hosted a radio talk show Youth in Entrepreneurship where I interviewed young entrepreneurs. While we researched to prepare the guest list, we struggled to find women entrepreneurs for the interview. Some women entrepreneurs who were actively working hesitated to give an interview mainly due to lack of confidence. On the other hand, I received requests from men to be featured on the show and they just had business ideas. 

I realised how confident the men would appear to be even when they just had ideas. On the contrary, even women with experience seemed to be nervous when it came to communicating with the media. Men seemed to be willing to promote their business and grab every opportunity that was presented to them. Women waited for the right time to come.

After a year I was interviewing CEOs for a national daily and I did not get the opportunity to interview even one single Nepali female CEO who was heading a commercial bank or multinational company. How would I? At that time there weren't any female in these powerful leading positions. This was two years ago and I would not be wrong if I said the situation is no better.

So where does the root of the problem lie? Even though the 21st century is said to belong to women, why is there a dearth of women in positions of power?

Firstly, upbringing, society's norms, culture, gender roles and stereotypes has a significant impact on a woman's perception of leadership. Right from childhood girls are said to behave in a certain way. Girls are generally expected not to be too loud, they are supposed to be home on time and wear decent clothes. Further she is expected to contribute more in the household chores. 

In Nepali society women are encouraged to speak only when they are asked to and be as modest as possible. In this scenario it is difficult for most women to be extrovert and outspoken. I have come across women who are hardworking, dedicated and talented but they do not get opportunities or a major role and position in an organization due to lack of networking or extroversion.   

There is a list of rules for girls since the day she is born. In such an environment it is quite difficult for a girl to defy these rules and break the pattern. Recently one of my friends did not go for picnic because her husband did not allow her to go. There are many such examples. Family and society plays a key role in creating a leader so the support from these units is a must to foster women leadership.

Secondly, education and experience are other factors that make a leader. Nepal Living Standards Survey 2010-2011 (NLSS- III) had found out that Nepal has an adult literacy rate of 56.6 per cent with a huge variation between men and women. While male literacy rate is 71.6 per cent, it is only 44.5 per cent for women. Now without proper education, work experience trainings it is not possible for women to reach heights in their careers. 

Thirdly, effectiveness and reach of training for women empowerment and skills development plays a crucial role in women leadership. Every year especially in March, programmes are held, articles are written and commitments are made for women empowerment. But what is the impact of these glorious slogans on women issues chanted? Which group and strata of women has the panel discussions held in five star hotels of Kathmandu and social media movements reached? How effective has the leadership trainings especially designed in the name of women empowerment? 

The number, frequency and budget in the name of women empowerment have mounted in the past decade and it is a positive stride. But has it reached the women who are in the real need? Or are these programmes just a shiny feather in the fancy caps of people from influential and elite backgrounds?
For a modern Nepali woman there are numerous problems and its causes can be plenty. However, now is our time to work on ourselves and reach our heights in our careers and personal lives. Rather than dwelling on our problems it is time for us to seek solutions. 

The way forward

Just a few things you can start doing right away or encourage others to do:

1    Observe the world around and within

Observation skill is one of the most underestimated and highly effective skills that help one become a leader. Women should be aware of what is going in the world outside as well as the world inside.
"The highest honour on earth that you will ever have is the honour of being yourself. Your only true job as a human being is to discover why you are here." -Oprah Winfrey
Great leaders are socially responsible and work towards solving real-life adversities. They find opportunities even in problems. This is possible only if s/he pays attention to the world. 

2    Collaborate and network

Network with the right people and make the best use of it. Majority of the women fail to reach the top positions because they lack networking skills. Women should have strategic influence and should not waste too much time merely collecting business cards.
Networking with the right circle and collaborating is the key to women leadership.  
Attending events that are happening in town are a great source of finding and staying connected to the right network.

          Communicate efficiently

A manager who can communicate minute details of an event or the situation is likely to be promoted than one who is poor in communication skills. In today's world of technology it is quite learn how to communicate digitally to promote and maintain your personal brand. Employees fail to understand if the manager cannot give specific directions or instruction.


4    Celebrate womanhood

We don't have to change ourselves to be liked by people. Leadership is definitely not pleasing all the employees or stakeholders. We must accept ourselves for who we are and move ahead. It is time for us to March forward and celebrate our womanhood. 




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