Women and Leadership

Women and Leadership examines the significant disparity in female representation among national leaders, who make up less than 10 percent. This imbalance is rooted in systemic obstacles to power. Through discussions with some of the most influential women globally, the book delves into the pervasive gender bias and questions the scarcity of women in leadership positions. Authors Gillard and Okonjo-Iweala utilize contemporary research to shape queries and hypotheses, which they then evaluate against the real-world experiences of prominent female leaders such as Jacinda Ardern, Hillary Clinton, Christine Lagarde, Michelle Bachelet, and Theresa May. In candid conversations, these women share personal stories about having their ideas appropriated by male counterparts, experiencing derogatory labels in the media, and reflecting on moments they wish had played out differently. Through their narratives, the book sheds light on how gender and sexism influence the perception of women in leadership, impact their career trajectories, and define the challenges they face in their roles.The narrative provides a rare glimpse into the realities of female leadership and serves as a compelling call to action for women across the globe.