TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Breaking misconceptions: Rediscovering the essence of women's leadership
The argument that leadership is more apt for men due to inherent gender differences is increasingly debunked by empirical evidence.
Change Size
Indonesian women and men march to mark International Women's Day in Jakarta on March 8, 2020. (AFP/Adek Berry)
As we mark International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting not only on the broader societal misconceptions surrounding women's leadership in Indonesian communities but also on my own journey of understanding.
My personal experience in the Indonesian context begins with the Quranic phrase 'Arrijalu qawwamuna ala nissa', which is often translated as men having authority over women. This had impacted my beliefs and the social norms I experienced, a situation particularly found in predominantly Islamic countries like Indonesia.
As the first woman from eastern Indonesia to hold an associate professor position in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Australia, I write this op-ed to argue that this is not just an academic discourse; it is a personal testament to the importance of challenging and reexamining a widely misinterpreted concept about leadership within Indonesian communities,
My initial views on women's leadership, despite my educational achievements, were surprisingly narrow. After completing my Master's degree in Indonesia, my ideal was still to be a good wife and mother, dedicating most of my time to household responsibilities. Several times I even intended to resign from my academic job to allow myself to focus only on my family.
Despite observing women's strong capacities in handling complex issues, the lack of women role models and my religious-influenced belief that men possessed inherent leadership qualities limited my curiosity about gender roles and imbalances.
Through my academic and personal explorations, I have learned that leadership qualities are not gender-specific but depend on individual capabilities and traits. Rather than suggesting gender superiority, my findings advocate a symbiotic relationship between men and women, defined by their respective roles and responsibilities. Fundamentally, this underscores responsibility and moral leadership, transcending gender boundaries.
