All the ex-communist countries are facing a gap between hypocrisy and truth/reality. Up to1989 women leadership was apparently a commonplace but only on paper. Statistically there was a large number of women leaders. At a closer look one could easily see that the key positions were male territory and only as far as the communist party decided women should be represented by a larger percentage the latter’s number automatically increased. It was a matter of number not of power properly.

The only woman in Romania who detained a huge power was the dictator’s wife, Mrs. Elena Ceausescu (she was CABINET 2 but the first powerful person in the state).

Even now society is partly tributary to a point of the view according to which leader = male. Femininity and leadership are still occasionally thought to be incompatible

I would underline a commonly known fact: prejudice and sexism go hand in hand with a certain (low) level of education.

As educators of the younger generations we always keep in mind that the people surrounding us will be unprejudiced, open- minded, European provided we educate them.

It is no longer surprising to see a woman as a principal of a public school, manager, dean of a college, etc.

There are of course certain obstacles a woman has to cope with when trying to become a leader: stereotypes.

A SWOT analysis reveals the following aspects when speaking of what is generally perceived as weak points : 1. A woman is too compassionate and unable to dictate. A male can easily be autocratic while the feminine style is a softer democratic one.

2. Women are too talkative so whenever they get the floor male attendants feel free to yawn, frown or think of something else. Comments and suggestions from men have more impact.

3. Motherhood can be confining. The reproductive imperative has to be reconciled with the potential of a woman’s brain. With her hands full and no financial power she can hardly be the image of the successful leader.

And now, passing on to a list of strong points: 1. Women leaders are more persuasive, empathic and flexible.

2. Women leaders are more understanding and supportive.

3.The team building leadership style is prevailingly feminine.

I know all the above mentioned aspects don’t define only Romanians and I think that only by admitting they do exist, women and men will be able in future to claim a fair share of the challenges and opportunities associated with leadership and to fulfill the expectations of a society open to change.

Thank you! Gabriela Paris School No 28 Bucharest,Romania