Country sorely needs more women leaders to progress

The past decade has brought progress for women leaders. For the first time in history, women were elected to serve as governors and senators.

However, the percentage of women in high-level leadership roles in top companies and in the government is still lower than that of men.

Despite these achievements, girls and women continue to be subjected to hostility and discrimination on a daily basis, hence the need to talk about what society must do to reverse this trend.

Cultural, economic and political obstacles have long hindered women from participating in the nation’s electoral process and seeking elective office.

These obstacles present in the form of inadequate support from political parties, lack of financial resources, and gender stereotyping.

For women in the public view, sickening threats of violence are far too common, occurring on an almost daily basis.

Not even educated and successful female leaders, who fellow women consider to be role models, are immune from these ignorant displays of sexism.

Imagine a young girl — perhaps your daughter, a niece or the girl down the street. She is smart and ambitious. She believes in herself and her abilities.

From a young age, she has the desire to lead — to inspire others to greatness, to surpass expectations, to better the world.

Yet, as she grows up, lack of mentors and connections ruin her chances of becoming a leader. Implementing leadership programmes by different stakeholders such as civil society, government and the Ministry of Education that connect, mentor, educate and help develop young female leaders may be the key to helping more women advance. The country sorely needs more women leaders.