Editor Hannah has decided she is sick of the world, for the moment. Her feelings of restlessness and curiosity sparked the theme of “Alternate Realities,” which she defines as “Any reality that is not our own—currently.” Writer Sara offers a journey through a Women-Run World. Will you take the ride?
By Sara Habibipour
Since March is Women’s History Month and we’re talking about alternate realities, what would life be like if we women ruled the world? Some would say that money and power corrupt anyone (and I’m sure it would), but would anything change for the better?
Studies show that women lead differently than men. They’re more likely to be collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented (BBC).
The benefits of these female characteristics have been evident in global economic growth. In 2013, women were responsible for $20 trillion in spending, which grew to $28 trillion in 2014 (BBC). Women are also expected to spend money differently. With more money, women are more likely to start businesses that hire other women, and thus, the entire community prospers.
Also, it is predicted that there would be less children in the world if women ran the world. We’ve seen this trend occur within recent years. A 2002 Harvard Business Review article cited 42% of women in corporate America are childless (hbr.org). As women become CEOs and world leaders, there’s really just not time to rear kids. Also, women don’t have to depend on marriage for financial security; they can go out and be breadwinners themselves. Getting married and having children no longer have to be a primary concern.
Wondering what other people thought about female leaders, I decided to interview some women and men that I know.
So many countries around the world have benefitted from strong, successful models of women’s leadership. I think *when* women rule the world, there will be more of a reliance on honesty and sincerity and far less bluster. Women are action-oriented. We cross items off our to-do lists. When women rule the world, I think the greatest effects will be in the eyes of the young girls who get to grow up surrounded by images of leaders who look like them.
Ms. Coffey
If women ruled the world I think we’d have another Cold War. We’re masters of the silent treatment.
Jesse Denyer
I think some of the equality issues would be solved. I think ultimately, though, nothing would change for the worse.
Elizabeth Shay
No one would get in trouble for showing their knees or shoulders when it’s 100 degrees out.
Anonymous Instagram Follower
We sure as hell wouldn’t have the problems patriarchies have faced that’s for sure.
Hambik Madanyan
Let’s just say we wouldn’t be living like modern cavemen.
Isabella Goetschel
No doubt better than what it is. But what would be really cool is if we could rule ourselves so no one ruled the world.
Leo Milmet
If women ruled the world, men would be in a whole lot of trouble.
Andrew Hall
Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-21661744
https://hbr.org/2002/04/executive-women-and-the-myth-of-having-it-all
It depends on the women. Leadership is a craft and skill that very few people can master. I would say there are things we as women do much better, compromise and follow through. Issues that would arise as a mother and wife, can we handle it all? Would our children be secondary. But overall if the right women ruled, I truly believe like everything: it would be fine. There was a time many professions would not allow us to participate. Now over 50% of women are physicians and lawyers and more women than ever are attending college. I think we need to take it on an individual bases. Mrs. Denyer’s comment is spot on or the opposite can happen. In my own personal experience I tend to get my way as after my husband says I get loud and he shuts down! I guess one can say he know who rules this household.
If you look around at the countries during this pandemic – it’s very interesting that those with female leaders, have really dealt with it well. (New Zealand and Germany – I’m looking at you! :-). Personally, I think men have ruled long enough and it’s time to give women a chance!!!