BASANI MALULEKE: Ending systemic and ingrained gender bias in corporate life needs the support of all
Women in leadership are constantly undermined, humiliated and objectified, both in and outside their workplaces
Investing time to build relationships and credibility is an antidote that women in leadership positions should use effectively to overcome gender-based discrimination and attenuate deeply ingrained patriarchal practices that are a result of centuries of socialisation.
Studies have shown that the number of women leading corporate SA is still negligible and that women account for only 6% of CEO positions in companies listed on the JSE. There is a rich body of anecdotal evidence documenting how women in leadership positions are constantly undermined, humiliated and objectified, both in and outside their workplaces. These practices have been normalised and are often not understood to undermine the ability of women to lead successfully. Accordingly, gender bias is systemic and deeply ingrained in corporate life...
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