I wondered if this was by chance or by choice. Eliminating the discriminatory aspect of it all, the facts reveal that yes there are more successful men in the corporate world than women, but is it because women are less competent? Or is it because men are deliberately promoted over women? Or is it because women just choose to play several roles rather than solely compete for a seat in the boardroom?
We know of many women who hold esteem roles and positions in the corporate world and they can be this in the workplace and still attend soccer games and PTAs. Some just choose to divert more of their time in the household rather than the workplace. "Inc." names the 500 top companies run by female CEOs. These are emerging and successful companies. Would you believe, 500! If women chose to run the world, they can. And they will rock it too...toddler in tow, in a crisp, white suit that they pressed themselves.
Point is, studies are conducted showing concerns of lack of number of top female positions in the business world and for all we know, it may not even be because women are discriminated on, but perhaps, women choose to concentrate on roles that give them fulfillment.
Don't get me wrong, there are women in my life who are housewives, career women, and both. And in all cases, they are in a place where they are because they are smart enough to choose so.
My mom for instance holds a degree in Fine Arts. Before she got married my grandfather gave her a choice "Would you like an art studio in Germany or do you want to start a family?" I'm here, so obviously, she chose to have a family. If she had wanted to, she could have said "I want both." But then, she just wanted to be a mommy and a wife.
Tess Villacorta, a retired corporate communications associate director in Ayala Corporation:. My mentor and and former boss. She is a mother of three, a wife to a lawyer and political advisor. She is a career woman at the same time, raised three beautiful children who are all successful in their own careers. She rocked suits too,by the way.
My sense is, no one can stop you from climbing up the corporate ladder, male or female. And neither should anyone say choosing motherhood over a career is lame. Fact is, women are more empowered than you think. They feel, they choose, they do.
They can choose to be accomplished, fulfilled or both. Below is a comparison of my definition of accomplishment versus fulfillment. Women sometimes choose one or another, but a lot choose both too. And they rock it! In a crisp, white suit they themselves pressed.
