Men's Response to Women in Leadership Roles: Insights from a Gender Awareness Study

Regional Media training on Women s Political Participation Johannesburg, South Africa , 7-9 March 2022, KEAMOGETSE MOTONE Title: ARE MEN INTIMIDATED BY WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES Published on :DECEMBER 2020 Follow up story published/broadcast on : ONLINE Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media.

BACKGROUND I submitted an article on whether men are intimidated by women in roles or position of leadership. This was to find out if men cant stand a woman who has power and is in a position of leadership, because if that is the case that means men will continue to bring women down and intimidate them in their roles of power, be it in organizations, homes, political spaces or professional set ups. The article is a good example of gender awareness because it calls men to respect women in power, and for policy makers to empower women. This story respond to the ill treatment of women, it responds to people who want to rid and silence women in position of influence and women generally. It sensitizes the public on the significance of women and the power they posses to bring about change in all spheres of influence Enhancing Womens Political Participation through media

Background Its one thing for a woman to be appointed to lead and it another thing when a woman is ineffective because no one believes in her. The articles seeks to open women s eyes to never allow anything or anyone to question their ability especially men. Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Key Objectives To encourage women to stand their ground no matter the opposition To call for men to support and not discourage women To influence policy makers to show support to women Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Target audience Women in leadership Policy Makers Researchers Scholars Married women in power Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media

Sources and accessibility I did my desktop research, and gathered information on whether men find it difficult to stand a woman who is powerful. Interviewed women holding powerful positions such as Head of HR at De Beers Matlhogonolo Mponang, four of them, and three men Enhancing Women s Political Participation through media

Challenges encountered in putting the story together Some people I wanted to interview were way too far, so I had to device means of reaching unto them Some were too busy and I had to be patient enough so that they can be ready to get back to me Men were not forth coming on the topic because it made them a bit uncomfortable so I had to look for people who can give me their best and honest opinions Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media

Impact I have received feedback on my side where women shared their different experiences after reading the article. >I shared the article on my social media account Enhancing Womens Political Participation through media

Feedback Someone gave me an example of a woman driving a taxi, as a men he felt he would never be 100% comfortable than when it was a man driving Some said, even when a married woman is the President, the Husband will always feel like the wife is not running the country properly Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media

Follow up story published Enhancing Women's Political Participation through media