Why We Need To Unlock More Female Leadership

Women are inherently community and bridge builders, and we need more of this wisdom in our world and society. Yet, the passion and capacity of many women, especially mothers, are often consumed by the never-ending pressures and expectations of managing a home. When homes have more equitable partnership and teamwork around the mental load, we can reap the benefits of more female leadership in other areas.

(Also when I searched stock images for "housework" as you might imagine, there were many more pictures featuring women than men.)

The Importance of Female Leadership

Women bring unique perspectives and skills to leadership roles. Moms, in particular, gain immense wisdom through motherhood—skills that are invaluable in leadership positions. We need to create an environment where women can step into these roles without being overwhelmed by the mental load of household responsibilities.

The Mental Load of Women

The mental load refers to the invisible, non-tangible tasks involved in managing a household. This includes keeping track of schedules, remembering appointments, and planning meals, among many other things. When this load is not shared equitably, it can stifle a woman's ability to pursue passions and leadership roles outside the home.

The Impact of Domestic Labor on Female Leadership

1. Gender Inequality in Domestic Labor: A study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that women spend, on average, 4.5 hours per day on unpaid work compared to 2.5 hours for men. (And this is not specific to parenthood)
2. Impact on Career Advancement: Research by McKinsey & Company shows that women are significantly more likely than men to be responsible for household chores and caregiving. This imbalance contributes to fewer women in leadership roles.

Passion for Advocacy

Personally, I'm passionate about gun regulation policies and specifically how that impacts our children and schools. However, it's only when I have support and partnership in the home that I have the mental capacity to engage in this important cause. When the mental load is shared, it frees up energy and time to pursue passions that can lead to impactful leadership. If you don't have strong partnership, you likely don't have the capacity you want to invest in the things that light you up and tap into your skillset outside of parenting.

Practical Steps for Sharing the Mental Load

1. Collaborative To-Do Lists & Avoid 'Mothering' Your Partner: Make the to-do list together. This ensures that both partners are aware of and share the responsibilities.
2. Weekly Check-Ins: Schedule and prioritize weekly check-ins to align expectations and have important conversations about household management.
3. Align on Values: Understand personal and family values to prioritize tasks and responsibilities effectively.

Consider coaching as a way to reject the status quo and foster a more teamwork-based relationship. Coaching can help both partners utilize their passions and talents inside and outside the home, paving the way for more women to step into leadership roles.

By sharing the mental load and fostering true partnership, we can unlock the potential for more female leadership. Let's work together to build a more balanced, equitable future where women can thrive in all areas of their lives.