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Transcript

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Welcome to your course, “Powerful Women, Villainous Women,” from Mujeres Sin Filtro. In this video, we’ll answer two fundamental questions: How do gender biases at work affect us as we rise to leadership positions? And why, when we reach positions of power, are we often perceived negatively?  

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 What is the inequality gap in leadership roles?

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The path we as women have had to take to reach leadership positions has been long and difficult. Although the playing field has been leveled, the workplace still favors men. 

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In Latin America, one-third of leadership positions are held by women, but only 4% of those women serve as CEOs. Women continue to face systematic barriers to advancing into leadership roles. This is compounded by the wage gap and racial discrimination.

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So why are men assertive but women bossy?

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It is not uncommon for ambitious, successful women leaders to be viewed negatively as "authoritarian," "aggressive," and even "bitter." Meanwhile, men who exhibit the same behavior are seen as effective, decisive, confident, and assertive leaders. 

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These gender stereotypes are the result of a patriarchal system that long prevented women from entering the workforce. As a result, “working” continues to be associated with masculine behavior. This is what psychology refers to as the double-bind bias, where what is expected of a leader contradicts what is expected of a woman. 

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This bias is also evident in various ways. A woman who exhibits "stereotypical" feminine traits such as tenderness, care, and empathy will not be considered for a leadership position, as she is deemed to lack the qualities needed to be an effective leader. 

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However, when a woman exhibits behaviors considered masculine—such as being assertive, direct, and decisive—it generally doesn’t work in her favor either, since it contradicts the stereotypical behavior expected of a woman. In both cases, we have fewer opportunities to attain high-level positions because leadership is defined and understood through the lens of masculinity. 

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Another factor that limits our representation in leadership roles is motherhood, as managers tend to view it as a negative factor because they believe we won’t be able to focus or be as productive.

Why is it important to have women in leadership positions?

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According to the International Monetary Fund and Credit Suisse, companies with a higher proportion of female executives demonstrate stronger organizational and financial performance, as well as better corporate governance. Similarly, women in senior positions improve productivity and collaboration, reduce sexual harassment, increase profits, and solve problems more strategically across the organization.

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Good leadership is not defined by gender, but rather by a person’s overall qualities and skills, regardless of their gender. Leadership requires assertiveness and determination, but it also requires empathy and emotional intelligence.

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We invite you to read the related article. We look forward to seeing you in the next course.

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