Analytical Insights on Female Leadership

Abstract

“Mothering the nation” emerged as a symbolic and ideological concept and a theoretical framework for understanding female leadership. It also provided a powerful narrative for humanizing the state. Almost all of the women leaders interviewed saw a strong connection between motherhood and leadership. This was viewed as essential because of the proclivity of male leadership toward authoritarian dictatorships, one-party rule, and wars. The need was felt for a change in the paradigm of leadership from a patri-centric to a matri-centric; one that would emphasize humanistic values such as compassion, nurturance, healing, as well as social and economic development, moral fortitude and peace. These values were viewed as imperative and urgent.