Women and Leadership: Lessons from Some of the World’s Most Powerful Women (Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala)

Abstract

Women are often described as the pillars of society and the pioneers in political, economic and cultural life. Therefore, it is important that women are given the platform and equal opportunities to be able to lead in the workplace, to participate in the economy and have a say when it comes to politics. However, the above is not always the case, as women in this day and age and across the world are still not treated equal to men. Some societies and industries appear to have a hard time accepting that a women’s role in society is changing. But many 21st century women have realised their full potential. Women are no longer just staying at home and raising children whilst looking after the household. Instead they are taking up space and cementing themselves in what is considered male dominated space, politics; both international and domestic. However, it is a bit hard for them to unleash their true potential because there are obstacles that are put in place to intentionally make it hard for women to excel. In response to this, Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-lweala saw a need to write a book on women and leadership.