Fiona Kane

A couple of weeks ago at an evening event in one of our local teaching Colleges for Governors and Principals, I met a female school leader and she asked me, ‘Are you still writing your blog Fiona?’  I was mortified and humbled by the conversation we had following my stumbling over, ‘Oh you know how busy it is… and I’ve just over 60 working days left for our new school build,..etc’.  She just smiled and told me she really enjoyed reading it and after all ‘International Women’s Day’ was coming up and it’s good to have female voices out there, so anyway, shamed, but in a nice way, better late than never (IWD was 2 weeks ago!) here is my latest reflection and this time focused on female leadership in education.

In the realm of education, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our children and young people. As a female school leader, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with this responsibility. One of my core missions is to support, encourage, and mentor other women leaders, helping them develop their skills, build their self-confidence, and navigate the often complex management structures within our schools. This mission is not just about gender equality; it is about creating and championing the best leaders for our schools, ensuring that our students have values-driven champions for their education and lives.

Developing Skills and Building Confidence

One of the most significant barriers women face in leadership is a lack of confidence. This often stems from societal expectations and internalised beliefs about their capabilities. As leaders, it is our duty to help other women recognise their potential and develop the skills necessary to succeed. This can be achieved through targeted professional development programmess, mentorship, and creating opportunities for women to take on leadership roles within the school.

Professional development programmes should focus on areas such as strategic planning, financial management, and effective communication. These skills are crucial for any leader, but they are particularly important for women who may not have had the same opportunities to develop them as their male counterparts. By providing these opportunities, we can help women build the confidence they need to lead effectively.

Mentorship and Support

Mentorship is a powerful tool in developing future leaders. As a female school leader, I have made it a priority to mentor other women, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. This involves sharing my experiences, both successes and failures, and providing a safe space for women to discuss their challenges and seek advice.

Mentorship also means advocating for women within the school and the broader educational community. This can involve recommending women for leadership positions, supporting their professional development, and challenging any biases or barriers they may face. By doing so, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women leaders.

Leaving the Ladder Down

The concept of “leaving the ladder down” is about those of us who have already successfully climbed the leadership ladder, ensuring that the path to leadership is accessible to those that follow and not pulling it up behind ourselves (especially if no-one left it down for us!). This means actively working to remove barriers and create opportunities for women to climb the management structures within our schools. It involves challenging the status quo, advocating for policies that support gender equality, and creating a culture that values and respects the contributions of women leaders.

One practical way to leave the ladder down is by establishing networks and support groups for women leaders. These groups can provide a platform for women to share their experiences, offer support, and collaborate on initiatives that promote gender equality in leadership. By fostering a sense of community and solidarity, we can help women feel more confident and empowered to pursue leadership roles.

Championing the Best Leaders

Ultimately, our goal is to create and champion the best leaders for our schools, regardless of gender. This means recognising and nurturing talent wherever it is found and ensuring that all leaders are values-driven and committed to the success of our students. By supporting and empowering women leaders, we can help create a more diverse and inclusive leadership team that reflects the values and aspirations of our school community.

In conclusion, as a female school leader, my mission is to support, encourage, and mentor other women leaders. By developing their skills, building their confidence, and leaving the ladder down, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in leadership. This, in turn, will ensure that our schools have the best leaders, who are committed to championing the education and lives of our children and young people.