Feminist Leadership

For as long as we can remember, people have attempted to define the concept of leadership. Though many have tried, none have succeeded in fully encompassing the aspects of leadership into one, single definition. Intelligence, dominance, confidence, and masculinity are some traits that have been used to describe great leaders (Lord, DeVader, & Alliger, 1986). In some cases, these qualifiers do an excellent job of defining what it is to be a leader, but they are only true when describing certain figures of authority. Diverse leaders bring various styles and techniques to the leadership table. Feminist leadership, is one of those styles. This approach to leadership is no easier to define than leadership itself. The reason lies in this

Male leaders are primarily thought of in a very positive light. When exhibiting authoritative leadership qualities, they are regarded as luminaries. In contrast, a female who leads in the same way is considered bossy and overbearing. Women who approach leadership with feminist values are often more successful as leaders. Even so, leading in this manner causes many people to assume that the feminist leader is weak and uncreative. Years and years of white men holding the majority of high ranking positions in business have given them an advantage that women and minorities do not have. Unwritten rules and unacknowledged traditions establish a deep structure. These deep structures can have a very powerful influence on women in leadership. Defying all odds, many feminist women have created names for themselves as visionaries and as champions of women and minorities everywhere. The following women are prime examples of individuals who have accomplished the improbable and made their way to the

With her husband Michael, and two sons, she made a comfortable life in England. When the junta took power over her home country, Suu Kyi traveled home to lead a force against them, knowing that she was the only chance the Burmese people had at democracy. All she asked of her family was that they allow her to do the right thing for her people, if the time arose. Sure enough, a time did come when a decision between the Burmese people and her family had to be made. In 1989, she was put under house arrest. Eight years later, Michael was diagnosed with cancer. Suu Kyi was certain that she would not be able to re-enter the country if she left. Her decision had been made, and she would never again see her husband alive. She was later thrown in prison. Her concerned son would come to check on his mother, but Suu Kyi simply stated, "why should my child be allowed to see his mother when there are countless others who will never see their unjustly imprisoned mothers again for the rest of their lives" (Bahadur, 2012). Never giving herself an advantage over others, she truly embodies feminist leadership in the most complete sense of the