EMILY D. SHRUM
Reducing the gender based leadership disparities is going to take the good leaders talking about the issues. Those who do not see a problem, do not talk about it. We, as females, talk about it all the time but it’s not enough. We need to get men involved with the change.
Dr. KRIS OTTEMAN
Mentorship between women at various stages is helpful. Training on patience and people skills is essential. Leadership isn’t for everyone so don’t expect all women to want to lead.
I’ve seen tremendous progress in the 30 years of my career so I would say keep it up! Businesses that encourage and support women to join in leadership roles are vital. Support women to be on committees or volunteer for related work groups outside the business.
JESSICA MORRISSEY
Creating mentor programs with senior leaders and high potential women within businesses is a great way to help new female leaders learn in action. It is also always helpful to have someone in your organization to advocate for you.
LISA MAY
Find your voice and speak your truth.
GERALD JOHNSON
There are still people in positions of power that don’t like change. As with the
presidential election in our nation, there have to be officials in those positions that will help affect positive change. Reducing the disparity means having more women in high ranking positions and more minorities to help change the next generation.
RAPUNZEL AMADOR-LEWIS
Women need to see someone in leadership that looks like them so they can see the possibilities and aspire to be leaders in their field. As with any disparities, in order to close the gap, the privileged (men) will have to give up something in order to make room for the marginalized group (women). As human beings, it is very hard to give up a privilege without expecting something in return. Organizations will have to find creative ways to make it equitable for women to progress to leadership positions without making the men feel like they are giving up any privileges. It takes a very intentional male leader to make way or be intentional in developing women to become great leaders. This may be just a few of the reasons why progress has been slow in leveling the leadership playing field for women.
MELISSA CARDENAS
To clarify, we must understand the difference between gender and sex inequality. Sex, usually categorized as female or male, refers to the biological attributes, whereas gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expressions between men and women. We must understand this difference because they are not interchangeable groups of people. By respecting one’s individuality and identity, we can move forward to become a more peaceful community.Understanding this distinction is just one step to accept our LGBT community into our world.
SHARON LIU
Provide more leadership training and empower the underserved genders.
BETH TETRO
Lobby, lobby, lobby! Also, we (meaning the entire population of women) need to encourage others. Remember that we are on the same side! Stop being mean to each other and push each other towards your dreams. We can do it (insert war propaganda poster).
LISA STOCKMON
We need to provide more opportunities for women to lead….too often men put other men in decision making roles and do not provide equal opportunity for their female colleagues.
SAMANTHA BOTKIN
I think gender disparities start within the company. Many companies are created by men and those men create the jobs that leave females at a disadvantage in gaining leadership. To reduce the inequality in companies, female leaders should voice their opinions to the younger generation and teach them about these inequalities. If the younger generation was well informed on the issue, they will be more prepared to stop it.
SARAH WIDDOP
I think progress is being made but change moves and a glacial pace. I think we need to remind young people of this because they often don’t see or understand how slow change can be so they connect this with a lack of progress and don’t think that they have a chance at a leadership role. But they do, and they can be leaders. Also- being a leader does not always come with a title. Sometimes it is a behind the scenes role, being a leader does not always come with a snazzy title.
Unfinished Business 