The pandemic has opened the eyes of male-dominated corporates to the resilience and determination of women leaders.
Gender And Opportunities
Being the senior vice president and a member of the general counsel for Boston Scientific Group, Desiree Ralls-Morrison acknowledges the challenges that come with being a woman in business.
Ralls-Morrison said there were ways to cope with gender bias in a corporate setting. The life-sciences expert encouraged young women entrepreneurs to "see your gender as an opportunity."
Ralls-Morrison said she was one of the women who spent time "trying to cover up" being a woman in business - adding that the cover-up included reducing one's feminine side or forcing oneself to stop showing emotion in the workplace.
However, Ralls-Morrison explained that young businesswomen should use their gender to "offer a unique and diverse perspective."
Fighting For Results-Based Leadership
In Southeast Asia, gender-based roles continue to dominate the workplace and different industries. Particularly in Indonesia, the gender gap has yet to be bridged by advocates of results-based leadership.
In a recent report by the World Bank, it was found that 5% only of women in the workplace were in CEO and board positions - and 20% only held middle-management titles.
Over the past few years, organizations have worked to change the mindset of companies in Indonesia and elsewhere where leadership is mostly men.
Studies published to help prove the contributions of women leaders raising increased awareness about how opening opportunities for women can help end gender inequality.
Women Helping Women
Over the years, stories of women helping other women get higher in business have been told as a show of unity and determination.
Rachael Bodie, whose business has reached six figures in value, is now coaching women entrepreneurs who also want to grow their businesses.
Bodie's coaching strategy is focused on three aspects: developing organic marketing techniques, creating a powerful brand message and becoming an expert in proper business mindset.
For Bodie, it is important for female entrepreneurs to "start now" even with feelings not feeling ready to start a business. She said starting a business should be approached as an "experience."
Women's Clubs
There is a long list of clubs centered on strengthening the bond of males in business.
But, in recent times women's clubs have been established - paving the way for them to expand knowledge and share their learning about business and leadership. The list of women's clubs is small but the potential for growth is extensive.
One is the Women in Business organization at Seton Hall University. The club's mission is to help young, business-minded, future women leaders to thrive.
Campus WIB president Emilia Jastrzebski said the organization aimed to "prepare women for excellence and equality" through senior mentorship and peer activities.
