In today’s political landscape, it’s evident that the representation of women in leadership roles is lacking. Whether you lean liberal or conservative, the stark reality is that the majority of political leaders are men. With 80% of the House and Senate occupied by males and a complete absence of female Presidents, it’s clear that we need to inspire more young girls to pursue leadership opportunities, starting from their school years.
This initiative is not just beneficial for society, which would greatly gain from more women in positions of power and influence. Research indicates that it can be advantageous for the girls themselves as well. A recent discussion paper by economists Jenna Moore and Alex Carter analyzed data on female high school leaders and their impact on career trajectories and earnings later in life. Their findings revealed that women who engaged in leadership roles during high school enjoyed an 8% wage boost 14 years later. Furthermore, these experiences contributed to closing the gender wage gap in early career jobs, with leadership roles in high school accounting for around 10% of this gap. It also significantly increased the likelihood of women entering management positions.
Two potential explanations emerge from this data: either girls who take on leadership roles develop skills that benefit them later, or those who are inclined to lead are already more likely to pursue higher-paying careers. Most likely, it’s a combination of both. If I had a daughter who was not the typical assertive type but showed interest in leadership, I would encourage her to run. Taking on such roles could help her refine skills she might not have known she possessed, fostering her growth in the essential area of leadership.
An article titled “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?” recently caught my attention. The author argues that the disparity between male and female leaders is largely due to men exuding more confidence, often misinterpreted as competence. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic points out that the only advantage men have in leadership is their propensity for hubris, which is often mistaken for the potential to lead. In reality, he asserts that qualities like humility—more commonly found in women—are essential for effective leadership.
While confidence can drive some men to pursue positions of power, true leadership requires a more profound skill set, which women typically possess in abundance. To cultivate a future where women hold equal representation in leadership, we must encourage girls to run for and secure leadership roles in school. In 20 or 30 years, I envision a stage populated by women, benefitting not just them but society as a whole.
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In summary, encouraging your daughter to run for student body president can pave the way for her future success and contribute to a more equitable representation of women in leadership. Through these experiences, she can gain critical skills and confidence that will serve her well in her personal and professional life.