WLP: Women In Leadership Positions

By James G. Pynn

With regards to the rather cynical adage that history is written by the victors, it is not surprising that the preponderance of historical information, especially with regards to women in positions of power, is rather scarce. Nevertheless, there are women in leadership position that have stood the scrutiny of time and historical research. Among these women, it is interesting to note the one common thread that binding them to one another, through the great expanse of time, is courage.

Translated from the ancient Egyptian to mean "Foremost of Noble Ladies," Hatshepsut was one of the most successful pharaohs of the ancient world. Indeed, as the fifth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, she shaped one of the most prosperous reigns in the history of the Egyptian Kingdom. She established an unprecedented reign of peace and economic prosperity that fueled a frenzy of building throughout the kingdom. The most visible remnant of this building frenzy is the Temple of Karnack.

Born into one of the lowest castes in Byzantine society, Theodora would find favor with -- and eventually marry -- Emperor Justinian I. Her missionary fervor began a campaign to expand and further entrench the Eastern Orthodox Church in Byzantine society. Her staunch faith and charity would qualify her for sainthood, but not before campaigning for a slew of women's issues. She lobbied successfully for the establishment of a legal punishment for rape, while ensuring women were guaranteed basic rights to custody and property in divorce cases.

Surging into the 20th Century, it was the fate of a daughter of a grocer to become the one and only "Iron Lady." Margaret Thatcher began her political career in 1949, when she unsuccessfully ran for a Parliamentary seat. Despite this early setback, and a slew of failed campaign in the early 1950s, Thatcher would finally win a seat in parliament in 1959. By 1979, she had positioned herself as the leading candidate for the Conservative Party. She served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, one of the longest running terms in English history.

The components that makeup a great leader are elements that can be studied at only a handful of truly innovative institutions. Indeed, there is a dearth of accredited university wherein women can learn leadership skills by means of a groundbreaking curriculum. These skills must include a cross-section of fields, ranging from history to literature to political science. Cultural and social factors must also be taken into consideration to form a well-rounded, rich platform for future success.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Guides Complete