Leadership is the ability or position of guiding and influencing others, especially in a group, organization, or community.
From *leader* (one who leads) plus the suffix *-ship*, which forms nouns about states or qualities. It grew with modern politics and business to describe both roles and skills.
The *-ship* in *leadership* is the same one in *friendship* and *citizenship*, marking a condition or quality. That suggests leadership isn’t just a job title—it’s a way of being in relation to others.
Leadership has been culturally coded as masculine in many societies, with stereotypes that men are natural leaders and women are better suited to supportive roles. This has influenced hiring, promotion, and perceptions of competence in leadership positions.
Use 'leadership' in ways that recognize and normalize women and nonbinary leaders across domains. Avoid reinforcing stereotypes that equate leadership with traditionally masculine traits only.
Women’s leadership in social movements, community organizing, science, and business has driven major changes, even when formal titles or recognition lagged behind their actual influence.
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