Women leaders are on the rise

There are many reasons women are breaking glass ceilings, one possibility to consider is that men may not be as qualified or ambitious as they once were. Times have changed drastically with societal needs, changes in education, and workplace practices. All these changes have created an environment where qualifications and ambition are circulated more equally among genders. As more women pursue higher education and professional development, their qualifications for leadership roles have risen significantly.

Causing the value of men in the workforce to diminish not because men are less valuable, but because women are entering the workforce with equal energy, drive, and capability. Every year more talented and ambitious women are broadening the pool of qualified candidates for leadership positions, leading to a more competitive and diverse workforce.

Women leaders are on the rise breaking through glass ceilings every day. Despite the system’s claim to have zero tolerance for discrimination and prejudice the reality of treatment shows a different outcome. Remember the time when women were limited in her duties of family life and the workplace. A woman was expected to follow one path to marry, start a family quickly, and devote her life to the lives of others. With this belief many people still share this expectation to this very day. As some would say, women should not expect a lot from life. She is here as someone’s keeper. Women are not selected for many positions because they may become pregnant or consid-

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Sherry Holliman Community Commentary HOLLIMAN

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ered emotionally unstable to deal with the pressures of leadership positions.

Why does the system constantly work against itself?

Women are the reason for creating population?

But on the other hand they were punished for giving birth. Why are men elected officials intentionally creating barriers to systematically oppress women? The nation is a proven contradiction of itself. Discriminatory laws are written to support the supporters of the laws, not the population of people that need protections. Since the 60’s until today regardless of their weight, age, race, looks, sexual orientation, or height women have sought equal rights, opportunities, and greater personal freedom for women. Society must face the reality of the need for women to be leaders in every profession no matter what her race, age, or attractiveness. Despite barriers, women are rising into leadership roles in many nations, at the top of organizations and government offices. As people observe and respect more women serving as leaders, it will no longer seem strange that a woman is in charge. The longer people try to hinder the progression of women in leadership roles the longer it will take to make changes, to help the voiceless, powerless, and vulnerable.

Supporting women leaders is a definite way to demonstrate to the public that there is a need for women who are determined to advocate, gain rights and implement realistic solutions to real issues and struggles of the world. If support is not given more aggressively to women that are willing to lead than the rights and progress made over the last decade will be threatened and could be weakened. As you may have experienced with the first vice president of the nation, and potentially president, women leaders are on the rise and each year there is an invisible passing of the torch to the younger generation to continue to be active to protect the rights that have been fought for. To also continue to use their voices to be heard about changing the system of oppression.

Women leaders are more empathetic about equality issues, which allows them the courage to lobby to change discriminatory laws. They can address issues such as rape and domestic violence locally ending nationally. Reaching out to voiceless women to both expand the movement and raise their awareness of how laws should be made for violators of women’s bodies.

Having women leaders on the rise should be an expectation for everyone.

Today’s woman does not mirror the image of women many years ago, in addition to women not looking at each other to have the same voice. Without a doubt most women should have a voice for equal access to education, political policies, access to abortion and birth control, the existence of resources to aid domestic violence and rape victims, and the legal protection of women’s rights. The future is now and the time has come for more women to become stronger and more influential leaders. The next time you meet a leading lady, be courageous and ask her to share her experience of overcoming any oppressions. Regardless of the different understanding of supporting women leaders, for most women leaders it’s all about getting their respect as female leaders, so that they can collaborate not remove or copy the male counterparts. When you support and empower women leaders on the rise, you are demonstrating your belief as a societal citizen your participation with progression by embracing diversity and inclusion.

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She previously served on the Marion City Council.