Women in Leadership: Rethinking Gender and Power Structures.
Authors: Sumitha, K. J., Deepa, R., & Katharine, B.
| Open Access |
This chapter critically examines the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership positions across various sectors, framing it as a systemic issue deeply embedded in institutional structures and cultural norms. It employs an intersectional approach, recognizing how factors such as race, class, and caste intersect with gender to shape leadership experiences. The authors argue that merely increasing numerical representation of women in leadership is insufficient; instead, they call for a transformative approach that challenges and reshapes existing power structures. The chapter critiques traditional, masculinist leadership paradigms and advocates for reconceptualizing leadership in more inclusive and collaborative terms. It highlights both formal and informal institutional biases that hinder women’s access to and experiences in leadership roles. By situating women’s leadership within broader debates on power, representation, and institutional reform, this chapter contributes to rethinking development itself, emphasizing the need for more resilient, democratic, and equitable institutions.5
Cite this chapter:
Sumitha, K. J., Deepa, R., & Katharine, B. (2025). Women in Leadership: Rethinking Gender and Power Structures. In Rethinking Development: Ideas, Institutions, and Impact in a Changing World (pp. 24-42). Indian Institute of Industrial and Social Research.
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