Women in charge

By Aicha Sawaneh / The Jambar

When I first started my job, I didn’t think much about who my bosses were. But over time, I realized something unique about my workplace — all my bosses are women.

In a world that often debates the challenges and biases women face in leadership, I’m living the experience of working under female leadership every day — and it’s been nothing short of inspiring.

Working with female bosses has reshaped the way I view leadership. There’s a misconception that women in charge are overly emotional, soft or too “nice” to handle the pressures of leadership. 

My bosses, however, prove every single day how false those stereotypes are. They are decisive, focused and — most importantly — human. They balance professionalism with empathy, setting an example of how leadership doesn’t have to be rigid or unapproachable to be effective.

One of the moments that stands out most to me happened during a tough time. I was struggling with what to do after graduation, feeling lost about my career path and the future. One of my bosses sat me down for a conversation I’ll never forget. 

She didn’t just give me generic advice, she shared her personal experiences, her struggles and the steps she took to find success and happiness. She helped me map out a path that wasn’t just about landing a good job, but about finding joy and purpose in what I do.

That conversation gave me clarity and confidence in a way I didn’t think was possible. It’s this personal touch that makes working under female leadership so impactful.

My bosses aren’t just guiding me professionally, they’re invested in who I am as a person. They show that leadership is about more than deadlines and goals — it’s about helping people grow, both in their careers and in their lives.

But let me be clear, having female bosses doesn’t mean the job isn’t challenging or that they go easy on me. They set high expectations and hold me accountable when I don’t meet them. Yet, they do it in a way that feels constructive, not demeaning.

Beyond the day-to-day tasks, seeing women in leadership roles is empowering in itself. It’s a reminder that breaking glass ceilings isn’t just about occupying a position — it’s about redefining what leadership looks like and proving that women belong in every space. 

Watching my bosses navigate challenges, make tough calls and still have room for kindness makes me hopeful for a future where gender isn’t even part of the leadership conversation — when it’s just assumed that women are as capable as men.

I’m grateful for my job and the lessons it’s teaching me — not just about work, but about leadership, humanity and the kind of person I want to become. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that being a good leader isn’t about gender. It’s about how you treat people, the vision you bring and the example you set. And my bosses? They’re setting a pretty great one.