In Comfama we believe that conversation has the power to generate connections and create learning spaces. In this Conversation we talk about female leadership within organizations and we introduce you to the Leading Women program (Mujeres Líderes, in Spanish), in partnership with Proantioquia.
Women have been traditionally a motherly and warm figure, but today they are also a symbol of resistance and inspiration, taking a stand for their rights and changing the course of history in an endless struggle for equality.
Today we celebrate women’s potential, by creating conversation and learning spaces that enable their professional growth. That’s why we’re proud to present, in partnership with Proantioquia, our Leading Woman program, an initiative to promote female leadership in organizations in order to promote a transformation in behaviors regarding gender equity. And what better way to celebrate the launching of this program than sharing an enlightening dialogue between women with high potential that hold leadership positions in some organizations.
Speaking with leading women
Silvia Ochoa, Head of Enterprises in Comfama, managed to make her way in the world of technology when she studied Electrical Engineering, a male dominated career with a small percentage of women.
Silvia admits that at some point she embraced some masculine stereotypes, but fortunately motherhood and some painful events made her understand that a leading woman’s challenge is to maintain her female essence, to lead with the strength of her heart.
“The creative input, the capability of leading with solidarity and cooperation, forging loving bonds, is something that the female energy is called upon to bring to homes and organizations”.
Claudia Restrepo Montoya, former Head of People and Families Comfama, is a firm believer of the power of leading with love. Claudia was recently named rector of EAFIT University, becoming the first woman in the university’s 60 year history to hold that position.
For Claudia, female leadership is about reclaiming female spaces while recognizing male values, pushing through cultural barriers and breaking the glass ceiling imposed by society. “I like embracing the subject of femininity because I believe it’s an opportunity to forge bonds between men and women. We don’t really have to take away affection, compassion and intuition from male leadership”.
A program by and for women
Paola Mejía, Head of Entrepreneurship and employability in Comfama points out the importance of the mentorship program for leading women. She claims it’ll be an ideal stage to share knowledge and experiences, but especially to openly discuss doubts, fears and the perception of merit and self-imposed standards.
For Paola, the program will allow for a healing and enriching conversation to take place, and will help boost the talent of women, engage in inclusive activities and place the spotlight on their talent.
The importance of women in organizations
Leading Women seeks to raise awareness on the potential of women in organizations, close the gender gap and bring growth opportunities to women. David Escobar, director of Comfama feels happy to witness the launch of this program, and hopes it will open “the windows to the hearts of many men in our society, so they too can become feminists”.
“There’s a difference between the leadership of women and female leadership, and I believe now is the time for both. We need the leadership of women, we can’t remain as a society wasting that energy, that capability, that intelligence and that calm strenght”.
In our Leading Women program, we’ll share experiences from the perspective of two kinds of women: mentors and Leading Women.
Who are the mentors? Women that occupy or have held first or second degree leadership positions in organizations, and that will guide the Leading Women with their inspiration and knowledge.
Who are the Leading Women? They are all women, but especially those with high potential that are on their way to achieving leadership positions within their organizations.
We now have 40 women who have joined the program as mentors to share their knowledge. Do you want to be a part of this experience?
