On International Women's Day: Empathy & The Power of Women in Leadership

Creating a more empathetic world starts with letting women lead

In a world increasingly driven by polarization and discord, the quest for leadership endowed with genuine empathy has never been more pressing. As we commemorate International Women's Day, it is opportune to reflect on a striking yet underappreciated resource in the realm of leadership: the intrinsic empathetic prowess of women.

A meticulously conducted study spanning 57 nations and involving over 300,000 individuals has shed light on a compelling truth: women, transcending age and nationality, exhibit a more pronounced capacity for cognitive empathy than their male counterparts. This form of empathy, the ability to grasp and resonate with the emotions of others, is not merely an admirable trait but a pivotal skill for effective leadership. It is the very foundation upon which the ability to understand diverse perspectives and forge meaningful connections rests.

The findings are telling: in 36 countries, women outpaced men in cognitive empathy scores significantly. In 21 nations, the abilities of men and women were closely matched, yet not in a single country did men surpass women in this regard. This pattern held true across eight languages and spanned a broad age range, from 16 to 70 years old.

An illustration of Shirley Chisholm — the first Black woman to run for President of the United States (credit: The Washington Post)

Despite the critical role of empathy in leadership, a glaring disparity persists on the global stage: women occupy less than one-third of leadership positions across various sectors. This gap is even more pronounced in the United States, where women constitute a mere quarter of Congress and only one in ten Fortune 500 CEOs holds the reins of power. In a study evaluating 34 developed nations on their prioritization of female leadership, the U.S. finds itself in a sobering 30th place.

This stark underrepresentation of women in leadership roles is not just a matter of gender equity; it is a missed opportunity to harness a style of leadership that could very well be the panacea for our times. As societal divisions deepen, the need for leaders who can genuinely understand and unite is paramount. The data is clear: if we are to value empathy as a cornerstone for a better world, then empowering women to lead is not just beneficial but essential.

Thus, as we navigate these tumultuous times, the argument for more women in leadership roles is not merely about fairness or representation; it is about choosing a path that could lead us toward greater understanding, cohesion, and ultimately, progress. On this International Women's Day, let us not only celebrate the achievements of women but also recognize and act upon the transformative potential of their leadership. In a world yearning for empathy and unity, let women lead the way.