The Value of Women’s Leadership

Raised the youngest of three sisters the question of the strength of the female gender was apparent at an early age.  We were always encouraged to do whatever we set our minds to- the questions of addressing gender as an issue was not directly discussed. I describe myself as a feminist and found that the comfort of using this term in South America is much like the states.  Somen women are completely comfortable with the term others less experienced have even said “feminist- oh no we do not have any of those here”.  In my travels in South American I have had the great privilege of meeting with a large number of women leaders from all sectors and level of experience.  In these meetings in my observations the lessons of my childhood the wisdom of my mentors sheds light on what it means to be a women and a leader.

First the concept of leadership is not exclusive to one gender and simply because you have power, money or a position of influence does not make you a leader.  Some leaders are born and others grow and learn their leadership abilities. My belief is that women by the nature have some qualities that innately are leadership characteristics. Women for centuries have had the ability to multitask, communicate clearly, plan, organize and nurture those around them, and make sound firm decisions. 

The unique observation about Bachelet’s leadership is that she remained who she was. She never tried to be one of the boys and used a number of her feminine traits to connect with the people of Chile. The average women could see herself in Bachelet.  All those close to her spoke about her intolerance for sexist comments or comments that reflected on her gender as a woman.  She never allowed even one comment to slide and would take it head on when some one said something to her.

Digress to say that much of Bachelet made me think of Hillary’s run for the presidency. In my observation a major mistake that she made early on was to not make her gender an issue.  Granted she had the press inappropriately comment on her wardrobe, hair style, etc. Hillary tried to hard to be measure completely the same with no reference to her gender.  Our gender is strength. She seemed more human when she showed a personal style in NH. Interesting if in her run we could have talked more about gender.  In the end she has made one hell of a Secretary of State.

We had the great pleasure to meet with Paty Politizer, who recently released Bachelet’s biography. She shared with us an example of the sexist comparisons Bachelet endured early in her presidency. The attacks against her when she came into office were purely personal. They constantly questioned her ability. She was held to a different standard. One example was that when her daughter was hospitalized for a very serious neurological issue Bachelet cut her meetings short and rescheduled a number of events. The press immediately commented that this is exactly what the country should expect of a woman putting her family first when she needs to run a country.  Years prior Lagos, the president preceding Bachelet’s mother in law feel ill and he rearranges his schedule for some time.  The press came out saying what a great son he was.  Sound familiar ladies. Women get portrayed as weak for making the same decisions that men make even if they are for the same reasons.

The most important lesson of the leaders I have met that have been successful is the connection to their femininity. The ability to connect, mentor, support, make critical decisions and the ability to be inclusive. I heard over and over- do not try to be like a man or lead like a man. That does no service to you and the other women who will come behind you.

Unfortunately I did meet with some more conservative minded women. In those experiences and meetings I observed that we as women can be the harshest on other women. Closing the door on opportunities. Separating women by class and not making way for other women and finally wanting to say they are no difference between men and women and that woman should be measured in the exact same way. In those experience I found it very masculine to hold the pwer and not share.

I will return energized with much greater resolve and understanding of my gender and its tremendous influence on my leadership.  I am grateful for the women I have met, the observations both progressive and conservative and I am proud of the way in which I have owned my femininity.