Female Leadership: Beyond Gender Equality
SPROWT ARTICLE | Tânia Oliveira
Female Leadership: Beyond Gender Equality
The truth is that times have changed, and the role of women in leadership has evolved beyond being seen solely as the “leader of the home.” Today, in addition to the family context, women have become a significant presence in the corporate world, holding management positions in large organizations, managing substantial teams, and playing a strategic role within companies, although our numbers are still limited.
It is essential to always remember where we come from and where we are going. The evidence, both historical and numerical, calls for progress, and we have gained strength through the 2030 Agenda, particularly through the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls on a global scale.
SDG 5 emphasizes that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. However, it requires a collective commitment from all of us, whether by setting goals or embedding it within the culture of our companies.
Contributing to this change is a responsibility shared by everyone, through providing opportunities, setting goals, development, and commitment. Words that, when spoken and put into practice within a corporate environment, can have positive effects when seeking the advancement and increased representation of women in leadership positions. However, it is crucial to emphasize that raising a flag only through discourse, without effective action in practice, will not change the scenario within our organizations and will increasingly distance us from what we committed to achieving within the 2030 agenda or even beyond.
This issue should be put on the table and treated as a priority; otherwise, it will be just another flag raised without your company’s contribution being part of the progress of change in our society. This topic should not be treated as a mere project; instead, it should be an integral part of the culture of organizations.