Venera Yerzina about Women's Professional Role

Statistics show that only 26 women hold CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies. Unfortunately, the situation in the local market is even more concerning. Women encounter higher initial expectations and formidable barriers, resulting in their representation in leadership positions in Uzbekistan being less than 30%.

Balancing Career and Family

On their journey to the top, women face challenges that many male colleagues may not even recognise. These obstacles often hinder women from reaching their goals of becoming company leaders or advancing in their careers. Issues range from unconscious biases and gender stereotypes to a lack of mentorship and career advancement opportunities.

One of the primary stereotypes women encounter is the distribution of responsibilities along gender lines. There is a belief that women must adopt a “masculine” mindset to succeed in a predominantly male environment.

Additionally, the scarcity of women in leadership roles is a concerning trend that reinforces the notion that they are unfit for such positions, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.

Tapping on the Glass Ceiling

Reflecting on the complex dynamics of women in leadership, I find myself questioning whether we are truly shattering the glass ceiling or merely tapping on it.

In a world where more women are stepping into leadership roles, the journey to the top resembles a marathon rather than a stroll in the park; each step forward is filled with challenges and obstacles.

However, the issues women face are not solely due to artificially constructed barriers. The constant juggling of career aspirations, family obligations, and societal expectations can make even the most determined woman feel like she is walking a tightrope. The struggle to balance professional ambitions and personal responsibilities is a harsh reality for all women pursuing a career.

“Who Influences the Workplace Climate?”

In my observation, women often emerge as highly effective leaders, making motivating employees to achieve business goals easier. Female leaders are likelier to foster an atmosphere of openness and engagement, where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and believe the company values their contributions. This increased engagement allows women to identify promising employees better and offer them growth opportunities.

Unfortunately, many women tend to underestimate their abilities and downplay their achievements, often due to ingrained stereotypes about competing with men. Social constraints and the fear of expressing themselves in traditionally male-dominated fields perpetuate notions of low initiative and a lack of capability to face serious challenges.

I believe women possess strong communication skills, sensitivity, responsibility, and empathy. These qualities give their approach to business and negotiations a distinctiveness equally effective as that of men. Including women in management promotes the development of more flexible business models, undoubtedly enhancing a company’s economic efficiency.

Building an Effective Career as a Woman

Venera Yerzina’s reccomendations:

Imagine a world where achieving career success is as important as the journey to get there. Aim to become a visionary in your field.
Set clear goals to guide you and assist in making informed decisions. Invest in your professional education and stay updated on industry trends.
Build professional solid networks both within and outside your organisation. In the career world, it’s not just about what you know; it’s also about who knows you. Start connecting with influential people in your industry.
Focus on developing leadership skills, regardless of your current role or level. Effective leadership encompasses communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Learn from them.
Seek leadership roles, take on challenging projects, and actively solicit feedback to enhance your skills.
Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and ensure long-term career growth.
Finally, remember that your career reflects your values and beliefs. Remain resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. Every career has its ups and downs, but how you respond to difficulties ultimately defines your success.