Building new power through women’s systems leadership
Part 2: Why feminist systems change?
In our work at the Systems Sanctuary, we support women and gender diverse leaders who are strategically working to shift harmful systems. We support them behind the scenes. We provide women with a space to be honest and human, and support them with building powerful strategies for interventions and with the best next steps.
Oftentimes, we meet these leaders at a time when they are frustrated with the limits of the efforts around them and are seeking more radical shifts. They are a combination of rebellious and diplomatic, bridging and working across difference and across various systems. They are uniquely located in systems, leading at different levels and in a variety of forms. They create cultures of care that were not there before and they also seek to align a critical power analysis in the work they do.
We are connecting these amazing leaders in our peer learning and ecosystem initiatives to create a powerful force for change. The more connected we are, the more the center of gravity shifts from dominant old power to support emerging new power.
New power is characterized by decentralized, non-hierarchical and collaborative leadership. New power accesses different ways of knowing beyond old powers’ emphasis on hierarchies, top down approaches, and rational/linear concepts of progress.
We know that more women leading does not necessarily change systems. More women in positions of power does not lead to justice and equity if we are operating with business as usual.
Yet, there is ample evidence that women leading in new ways creates systemic change.
For example, in our recent work with WFD we see how when women are represented in political leadership positions, they are more likely to advocate for policies that benefit women and communities facing discrimination and inequity.
Reports have demonstrated when women are prioritized in policies, the whole society benefits. Countries with more women in parliament tend to have stronger education and social welfare policies, better healthcare outcomes, and greater gender equality overall.
When women are involved in decision-making processes, their unique perspectives and experiences can help to identify blind spots and potential biases that might otherwise go unnoticed. This can lead to more creative and effective solutions to complex problems.
Studies have consistently shown that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to outperform those with fewer women.
Research has also shown that women role models can be particularly important for encouraging young women to pursue careers in fields where women are underrepresented.
Our ten years of work with women behind the scenes, centering lived experiences, and existing body of literature, supports the claim that systems change efforts need women. Women and gender diverse leaders bring a unique perspective and a much needed set of skills to systems change efforts. Some of them including:
- Intersectionality: Women often experience multiple forms of discrimination and oppression, such as sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and more. This gives them a unique perspective on social issues and the ability to understand and address the complex intersectional nature of social inequality.
- Resilience: Women have historically faced significant barriers to leadership, such as discrimination, harassment, and limited access to education and resources. Despite these obstacles, women have continued to persevere and make significant contributions to social change movements.
- Shifting Power: Women are often more attuned to issues of power, and can bring a more inclusive and equitable approach to systems change efforts. This can help ensure that lived experience and equity deserving communities are centered in the work of social change, and that their voices and perspectives are heard.
- Collaboration: Women can often be skilled collaborators and relationship-builders, which is essential for effective systems change efforts. By bringing together diverse groups and individuals, women can create a powerful coalition for social change.
- Care: Some women may bring a compassionate and nurturing approach to leadership, which can foster an environment of collaboration and mutual support. This is particularly important in systems change efforts, which require building coalitions across diverse groups and communities.
It’s important to see the nuance here as well. Societal expectations of women have siloed them into being seen as the relationship — builders or the ‘nurturers’. This double bind and these expectations can also be negative, reinforcing rigid and limiting gender stereotypes. Navigating these waters can be tricky and we don’t intend to reify these roles. That said, ways of working identified above are in demand and align with systems change practices. An important opportunity is presented.
We need each other. We need spaces to exchange outside of competitive and scarcity cultures, spaces for honest sharing and camaraderie.
Gratitude to all of you who join us, it’s a privilege and joy to work with you:)
Learn more about our feminist systems change field building efforts here.
And if this speaks to you, get in touch!
