Women are earning leadership positions in increasing numbers at OCU and should continue to do so.
Women have always had leadership positions at OCU in the past and have contributed to OCU in impactful ways. Significantly, this year, women are becoming the first females in their positions. In January, Jennifer Rodgers was named the first female OCU police chief. Martha Burger was named the first female OCU president last week. Both leaders were selected because of their experience, dedication and commitment to students.
Women traditionally don’t have the same opportunities as men in the workplace. Only 25 percent of executive and senior-level positions are occupied by women, and only 6 percent are CEOs according to Catalyst Research and Strategy Development. Studies show that women are paid 70 to 98 percent of what men are paid for doing the same job. Yet the National Center for Education Statistics found that women earn almost 60 percent of all undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees.
We live in a diverse society, and our leaders should reflect that. Diversity of thought leads to better problem solving, creativity and critical thinking, according to an article in the Scientific American. Not only is gender discrimination harmful to women, it hinders the progression of society.
If more women were in leadership positions, more action would be taken to solve issues women face. By seeing women in these prominent roles, other women would be more inclined to apply for, run or succeed in positions of power. Girls need mentors to look to when they dream of being the first woman president or the CEO of their own company.
Organizations like Girls on the Run, Girl Scouts of America and GirlStart provide leadership opportunities and empower preteen girls to pursue their passions. When college students volunteer with these organizations, they create lasting relationships with girls. Having a strong female mentor to look to during these crucial years of development can motivate girls to take on leadership positions and continue the empowerment cycle.
Female students should look to strong mentors like Rodgers and Burger or find their own mentors who inspire them to run for public office, stand against injustice or be a leader in their community. Women should continue to take on leadership roles at OCU to create a more diverse and representative university environment. Students should work together to create an encouraging environment that promotes female leadership and collaboration.
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”
-Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist
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