Striving for Equality: Part 1 of 3

Why do we have such a low percentage of women in leading positions if there are a lot of educated, strong, powerful and successful women around us?

Sheryl Sandberg, COO at Facebook in her book Lean In said: “A truly equal world would be one where women ran half our countries and companies and men ran half our homes.” Yet are we ready for an equal world when there are still some countries that deny women their basic rights?

There are currently only 19 elected female presidents and prime ministers in 195 independent countries in the world. Women hold 4.6 percent of Fortune 500 CEO positions and about the same in the Fortune 1000 companies. Sadly, women of color are represented even less.

Why is the percentage of women in leadership so low? In most countries, both genders can attend school, be educated, and earn a degree from the top educational institutions around the world. They also have equal opportunities to apply for job positions but in reality men move up faster than women and reach the top positions more easily.

What is causing this issue? Are women lacking self-confidence? Are we scared to follow our dreams? Are we afraid to be outspoken, ambitious, and equally powerful as men? NO! The problem is somewhere else.

Role of a woman has deep historical roots. Our motherly instinct and feeling to have children, to take care of our family, to be a good mother, to follow our partners and be there for them all the time is very strong. Many of us easily compromise our career goals to make room for our partners and children. In many cases it is right decision, because compromise is in relationship necessary.

My intention is not to judge but open this topic up for discussion and encourage women and men to think deeply about how to make their partner a “real partner”. Most men would like to have a strong powerful and independent woman at their side but that is hardly achievable without a mutual support.

In my next article I will inspire you with the ideas and thoughts of powerful women and men who fight for equality and who knows as well how to balanced work and family. I will also try to encourage more women to aspire for leadership positions. Everything is possible just need courage, patience, support and hard work. ☺

-Klaudia