In today’s political landscape, regardless of one’s political leanings, it’s hard not to notice the overwhelming number of male candidates vying for leadership roles—especially in the U.S. government. With men comprising 80% of the House and Senate, and no female Presidents in history, it’s crucial to inspire young girls to pursue leadership positions from an early age.
This movement isn’t just beneficial for society at large, where more women in office could lead to policies that support women’s issues—it can also be empowering for the girls themselves. Research conducted by economists Sarah Johnson and Marcus Lee has shown that women who take on leadership roles in high school tend to reap significant benefits later in life. Their study, which analyzed participation in student government and other leadership activities among the class of 1972, revealed that those who held leadership positions saw an 8% wage increase 14 years later. Additionally, high school leadership experiences can reduce the gender wage gap for early career jobs and increase the likelihood of pursuing management roles.
The reasons for this correlation may be twofold: young women who engage in leadership opportunities may develop skills that benefit them in their careers, or they might naturally gravitate toward higher-paying positions. In either case, taking on leadership roles can teach invaluable skills that might otherwise remain dormant.
Interestingly, a recent article titled “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?” caught my attention. The author, David Thompson, argues that the disparity in male and female leadership stems from a tendency for men to project confidence, which is often misinterpreted as competence. He points out that, “Confidence can often be mistaken for true leadership ability, and this is observed across various cultures.”
However, Thompson contends that the best leaders are often humble, a trait that is more frequently found in women than in men. While many male candidates may exude the confidence needed to seek leadership positions, women possess the essential qualities that truly define effective leadership.
Encouraging girls to participate in leadership roles, such as running for student body president, is vital for their development and the future of leadership in our society. By promoting these experiences now, we can aim for a future where women occupy at least half of the leadership stages, benefitting both them and the community.
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Summary
Encouraging your daughter to run for student body president can foster her leadership skills and empower her for future career success. Research shows that young women in leadership roles experience positive impacts on wages and career progression. By promoting leadership among girls today, we can cultivate a future where women are equally represented in leadership positions.