We all realize that societies around the world come to a grinding halt without the invaluable contributions of women. Yet, despite anthems that proclaim girls run the world, there is a glaring leadership gap between men and women in both business and politics. It’s shocking to learn that, according to a recent report from Pew Research, only one-third of U.N. member countries have ever had a female leader. Even more disheartening is the fact that women hold a mere 29% of C-suite positions, according to data from McKinsey & Company. And let’s not ignore the ever-persistent gender pay gap that affects women across numerous industries.
Many of us ponder why these disparities exist. TikTok user Mary (check her out [@marysasson](https://www.tiktok.com/@marysasson)) presents a particularly thought-provoking angle on this issue that invites us to see things through a new lens. “At every stage of development in a woman or little girl, we kind of agree that little girls outpace boys,” she notes. Think about it: when a little girl speaks early, the consensus is, “Oh, girls are just early talkers—they excel at that!” Fast forward to elementary and middle school, and we hear, “Yeah, girls just mature faster; boys will be boys.”
But is that really the case?
Mary provocatively continues, “Then when you get to high school, it’s as if boys get a free pass for their impulsive behavior and bad decisions because they are ‘just little boys.’” In college, she claims that fraternity culture perpetuates this idea: “Frat boys act out, yet they’re still seen as just innocent boys.” So where does this massive gap materialize, where men seem to sprint ahead while women lag behind, finding themselves marginalized as leaders? The implication is clear, as Mary suggests: it’s a male-dominated narrative that stifles women’s leadership potential, suggesting that men are seen as the “intelligent, rational leaders” of our time.
This underrepresentation of women in positions of power doesn’t seem to occur after college graduation. It’s evident in everyday life, as one comment humorously quips about having more faith in a small rodent finding groceries than relying on a male Instacart worker. Could it be that this trend persists into fatherhood, where the stereotype of the inept dad takes root? “What do you mean mom is out of town, and now dad has to take over?” The implications are humorous but cut to the heart of a larger issue. When does this inequality resolve? Does it suddenly disappear in a man’s 40s or 50s? Perhaps it’s not until some divine epiphany during a moment of reflection at the end of life, right?
Mary wraps up her commentary with an impactful statement: “It’s not rational… Sexism is pretty emotional. And I don’t think people who are so emotional should lead.”
And boy, does that resonate. One commenter astutely observes, “Expecting men to govern when they can’t even handle running a dishwasher sometimes? That’s just absurd.” Another shares their experience with a resigned acceptance: “I’ve never seen a man take initiative, but they sure have a talent for taking credit. They make you do every piece of the work with the rationale that ‘You’re just better at it’—and it starts from childhood and continues into adulthood.”
While there are undeniably many layers to this issue—ranging from how society perceives girls versus boys, to the internal narratives that shape how we identify as men and women—the stark reality is that Mary’s observations hold a painful truth.
In summarizing this important conversation, we can’t overlook the fact that these stereotypes and biases significantly limit our understanding of gender roles in leadership, thus shaping lives and futures for generations to come. Each of us has a duty to challenge these narratives, advocate for equality, and foster an environment where women can thrive and lead without barriers. After all, when everyone has an equal seat at the table, society as a whole flourishes.
Image Source: insta_photos @ Shutterstock
