In modern conditions, leadership theories and role models in socio-political life, as well as leadership styles, are being modified and finalized in accordance with the current realities and conditions of modern development. There is a steady tendency to increase the sociopolitical interest of women leaders in political and social practice. High involvement of women is characteristic of civil society, local self-government bodies, and social movements. International structures annually publish questionnaires, practical tasks, socio-political cases, and exercises to support women leaders and promote their careers. The formation and development of a community of successful women, where each is a unique individual and is ready to participate in solving the socio-economic problems of the country and promote the women’s agenda in their country, is one of the most urgent demands of today. At the same time, persistent gender stereotypes about women’s roles and opportunities remain one of the obstacles to overcoming bias against women’s leadership. Gender issues continue to be one of the topical issues in modern conditions, which is largely responsible for the persistence of stereotypical thinking and stereotypical approach both in the theoretical and conceptual bases of justification of women’s leadership and in the actual practice of gender policy implementation.
Despite unambiguous progress with regard to the phenomenon of women’s leadership, outdated gender stereotypes continue to persist and influence the perception of women’s role and their leadership capabilities and potential. Clearly, the question of gender differences in leadership styles remains open. Every leader has a specific and unique style, but one style should not be associated exclusively with women and another with men. The main issue is self-improvement, learning and implementing new knowledge that benefits society and, importantly, peaceful and productive interaction.
This article “Gender stereotypes and the problem of women ’s leadership in the modern world” is part of the collective volume “Women Leaders and Democratic Transformations”—a recent editorial publication produced within the project “SPERANȚA – School for Young Women Leaders from Both Banks of the Nistru River”, supported by the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Moldova and implemented by the Foreign Policy Association (APE).
