By Pat Jones, Principal and CEO, Weston College Group
I am honoured to share my reflections on the journey of women in leadership, particularly within education. Stepping into this role is both a personal milestone and a testament to the progress made by women in leadership across our sector.
Reflections on Women in Leadership & Education
The landscape of leadership has undergone significant transformation over the years. Historically, leadership roles were the domain of our male colleagues, but more and more women are smashing glass ceilings, testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent, women have steadily reshaped this narrative. Today, more women than ever have taken up senior leadership roles in education, driving change and fostering inclusive environments. This shift has not only enhanced the diversity of leadership but also brought a broader range of perspectives to decision-making processes, ultimately enriching the experience for all. Recently I came across an example that demonstrates the effectiveness of female leaders, research conducted into Swedish politics by the London School of Economics in 2017: In 1993, Sweden’s Social Democratic party introduced a strict gender quota for its candidates. Researchers found that by increasing the female representation by 10 percentage points, the proportion of competent men raised by 3 percentage points (researchers developed a model which looked at a number of social variables to measure competence). Ultimately, they found that gender quotas increase the competence of the political class in general, and among men in particular.
Insights on Barriers Faced & Progress Made
While significant strides have been made, it is important to acknowledge the barriers that persist, barriers that prevent meritocracy from thriving. Women in leadership often contend with challenges such as unconscious bias, lack of mentorship opportunities, and the delicate balance between professional and personal responsibilities. The journey to leadership can be demanding, requiring determination, self-belief and support from allies (both men and women). However, the increasing visibility of women in leadership roles, along with initiatives promoting gender equality, has begun to dismantle these obstacles. The growing recognition of the value that diverse leadership brings to organisations is a sign of the positive momentum we must continue to build upon.
Encouragement for Women Pursuing Leadership Roles
Many women have shaped who I am today. One woman in a previous team who was 10 years my junior and who came from a family culturally diverse to my own brought great wisdom when times were difficult, cutting through the noise and bringing clarity to actions. Another colleague was always a person you could turn to, not just for advice, but to share success too, a woman genuinely happy for the progress that you and others made. I will be forever grateful for the allyship shared by these women and hope that I continue to pay this forward with this in mind our Executive team will be introducing a mentoring programme for colleagues who wish to become leaders, further develop their skills, or who are leaders wishing to progress further in at the Weston College Group.
To women aspiring to leadership roles, I offer this encouragement: your voice matters, your perspective is invaluable, and your potential is limitless. Embrace opportunities for growth, seek out mentors who inspire and support you, and never underestimate the power of your own resilience. Leadership is not solely about occupying a position — it is about making a difference, shaping the future, and paving the way for others to follow. As we continue to champion gender equality in leadership, let us empower one another to break barriers and build a more inclusive and diverse future.
Together, we can create a world where leadership knows no gender, only potential and purpose.
Happy International Women’s Day!
