Managing institutions or companies of various sizes requires the right individual to make the right decisions, and often, that person is a woman. In this challenging task, there is no room for emotional interference, nor any option to retreat.
Leadership roles demand that women navigate complex situations that can either pave the way for extraordinary career achievements or force them to start anew from scratch. In this context, a critical question arises: Can female-led management strategies achieve the desired success?
The answer can only be found through a practical examination of the success stories of major international companies. For decades, model companies have shown us that placing women in key leadership roles and leveraging their insights can drive companies to the peak of success and facilitate the professional growth of smaller organizations.
The Success of Female Leadership
The realm of female entrepreneurship is brimming with remarkable examples of successful female management. A prominent case is that of Jacqueline Mars, whose leadership played a pivotal role in ensuring the sustained success of the “Mars” brand, an iconic global name. Despite the groundbreaking approach of its founders, Mars’ success can largely be attributed to the visionary leadership of women like Jacqueline, who led the company into a new era of achievement.
Furthermore, in the case of Google, the company’s success did not come solely from its pioneering founders but also from the invaluable contributions of women, including those in leadership roles, who helped to propel the company to its monumental success.
Psychological studies reveal that women, in particular, often face unique pressures that can either ignite their enthusiasm or lead to burnout. Yet, much like any human being, a woman’s capacity for thinking, feeling, or acting cannot be determined solely by scientific observation. Her ability to lead is more accurately understood by her actions in the workplace, as there is little room for error in such roles.
It is essential to acknowledge that the success of female leaders cannot be fully attributed to gender-specific slogans or support. Instead, it is through their actual accomplishments—at both home and work—that women prove their worth and capabilities. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, their contributions speak volumes.
Saudi Arabia: A Growing Example of Women in Leadership
In Saudi Arabia, women are increasingly becoming key influencers in various sectors, with prominent figures such as Her Royal Highness Princess Rima Bint Bandar, Ghada Al-Mutairi, Sarah Al-Suhaimi, Hayat Sindi, and many others leading the charge. Their efforts have contributed significantly to shaping the Kingdom’s economic and social landscape, providing a clear example of the value women can bring to leadership roles.
For female leadership to thrive, women must embody the same qualities as any ideal leader—putting aside personal emotions and making tough decisions when necessary. Sadly, women are sometimes treated as though they are subject to emotional manipulation or blackmail, with their leadership being undermined by preconceived gender biases.
Thus, characteristics such as hard work, clear decision-making, and an unshakable sense of right and wrong are fundamental to a woman’s leadership success, just as they are for any leader, regardless of gender.
Gender Inequality in Leadership: The Struggles Women Face
Despite their success, women in leadership positions globally often encounter unequal pay and limited opportunities for career advancement. This issue persists even as women reach high levels in their careers, as they are still viewed as the go-to resource for tireless work—expected to be the leader at work, the caretaker at home, and an active participant in every aspect of others’ lives. Unfortunately, this has led to their being exploited, sometimes by other women in higher management positions.
However, women are well aware of their potential at work. They have the choice to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Jacqueline Mars, who introduced policies such as integrating vacations into Google for working mothers, or to face the risk of being overworked and underappreciated, with their male counterparts receiving more leniency despite underperforming.
While the challenges women face in leadership roles are considerable, there are numerous models—both Arab and international—that demonstrate how empowering women to lead can yield remarkable results. These leaders show that women are more than capable of managing large teams, often balancing compassion and rigor as needed to ensure success.
The Potential of Women’s Leadership: Breaking Barriers
Women in leadership can achieve extraordinary results. A woman determined to prove her abilities, skills, and potential has no limits to what she can achieve, thanks to her ambition and belief in the creative ideas that can help organizations reach their goals.
If you are an employer with a forward-thinking vision who has chosen to appoint women in leadership roles, now is the time to overcome the barriers they face and offer your support. The outcomes will not only meet but likely exceed your expectations, proving that women’s leadership is a powerful asset to any organization.
