We are currently navigating a tumultuous period marked by the climate crisis, increasing restrictions on women’s rights and autonomy, and the erosion of rights for minorities and grassroots communities globally. Amid these pressing challenges, a critical question arises:
if women had been at the forefront of leadership on this planet, would our world look different?
In fact, the question of what the world might look like if managed by women is not a new one; it has been pondered and debated throughout history. In a 2017 article by The Guardian, women from diverse backgrounds got together and shared their insights on this intriguing concept and their responses resonated deeply with themes of empowerment and societal transformation. Performance artist Marina Abromovitz articulated a compelling vision, stating that if women ruled the world, they would transcend fragility, reject dependency and refuse to be victims of abuse. Comedian Shazia Mirza echoed this sentiment, suggesting that under female leadership, we would witness less violence, more efficient problem-solving, and a preference for dialogue over conflict. Sofia Hagen advances the conversation by advocating for concrete changes: “Free tampons, legal access to abortion everywhere, and actual jail sentences for 100 per cent of rapists, rather than the mere 5 per cent we see today.”
These reflections above highlight a profound desire for a different approach to leadership and governance. To realise a world managed by women, it is essential to actively promote and support women in leadership positions across all sectors. Representation matters; when women occupy leadership roles, they can bring diverse perspectives and solutions to the table. This shift not only empowers women but also enriches the decision-making processes that shape our societies.
A look at the statistics towards women’s leadership
Historically, leadership roles have been overwhelmingly dominated by men, resulting in decision-making processes that often prioritise narrow interests over the collective welfare of society. While there has been some progress in recent decades, the statistics remain discouraging. According to the ‘Women in the Workplace Report 2024’ by McKinsey & Company, women continue to be significantly underrepresented at every stage of the corporate pipeline. The report reveals that women are less likely than men to be hired into entry-level positions, creating a foundational imbalance from the outset.
Additionally, women face considerable barriers when it comes to promotions; they are far less likely than their male counterparts to attain their first promotion to managerial roles, and this trend shows little sign of improvement. Alarmingly, the report predicts that it could take over 50 years to achieve gender parity in workplaces. This underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that women’s voices are fully represented.
Impact on community and more
Research has shown that women leaders tend to adopt more participatory styles of governance, fostering environments where diverse voices are heard and valued. This approach enhances decision-making processes and promotes a sense of belonging and investment among community members. In a blog article for IDB Bank, Luciana Etcheverry quoted a study conducted in Turkey—it analysed 2,000 professionals in corporate settings—which revealed that female leaders exhibit greater empathy and are less competitive than their male counterparts.
Additionally, another research from Brazil highlighted that women in positions of power were less likely to engage in corrupt practices. Thus, when we discuss the importance of women’s representation in leadership positions, we highlight the potential for increased empathy, resilience, and adaptability in decision-making.
As per KPMG’s 2023 ‘Advancing the Future of Women in Business’ survey of 1,500 executive women, about 79 per cent of respondents reported prioritising wellness. This emphasis encompassed a range of practices—from scheduling self-care and spending quality time with family and friends to setting boundaries around work. As a result, women’s leadership has the potential to redefine success by placing well-being and quality of life on par with traditional economic indicators. This shift could encourage a greater focus on initiatives related to mental health, education, and family support, ultimately fostering healthier, more fulfilled communities. Over time, such an approach could effectively address pressing social issues, including poverty and violence, among other issues.
Moreover, as more women step into managerial roles, we may witness significant changes in current workplace systems. Women leaders often recognize the importance of flexible working arrangements better and are more likely to advocate for such policies. The 2023 ‘Women in the Workplace’ report by McKinsey and Co. revealed that 83 per cent of employees surveyed prefer the flexibility of remote work, citing that it allows them to work “more efficiently and productively.” This trend underscores the potential benefits of inclusive leadership styles, prioritising employee well-being and adaptability in the workplace.
The way forward
A multifaceted approach is essential to increase the representation of women in leadership positions. An article by the American Psychological Association emphasises the importance of identifying potential leaders early in their careers and providing them with tailored mentorship opportunities. These mentorships should offer career guidance and support, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing.
Moreover, including sponsors in this process is crucial—individuals who go beyond the traditional mentor role. Sponsors leverage their own positions and influence to advocate for junior employees’ advancement actively. This combination of mentorship and sponsorship can create a robust support network that empowers women to navigate their career paths more effectively, ultimately leading to more excellent representation in leadership roles.
By investing in women’s professional development from the outset, organisations can cultivate a new generation of leaders who can bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. A world managed by women represents a transformative vision that promises to reshape governance, economics and community dynamics. By embracing the values of empathy, inclusivity and collaboration, societies dominated by women can foster environments where all individuals thrive. While achieving gender parity in leadership is a critical first step, the broader goal is to cultivate a leadership style that prioritises the common good.
Smile for women’s leadership
Smile Foundation‘s initiatives on women entrepreneurship are aimed at equipping women with the skills, resources and confidence needed to start and sustain their own businesses. This initiative provides training in financial literacy, business management and market analysis, empowering women to transform their ideas into viable enterprises.
Through mentorship, access to microfinancing and collaboration with local organisations, women’s leadership is supported to overcome traditional barriers and become economic drivers within their communities. The emphasis on entrepreneurship not only promotes financial independence but also enhances the socio-economic status of families and fosters local job creation, contributing to a cycle of sustainable growth and empowerment.