KUCHING: As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today (Mar 8), it is important to reflect on the journey towards gender equality and the pivotal role of emotional intelligence (EI) in empowering women.
In stating this, dental lecturer at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya Dr Jessica Francis said this year’s Women’s Day theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ underscored the importance of fostering environments where women could thrive, lead and contribute their unique talents to society.
“Investing in women’s EI is not merely an act of altruism, it’s a strategic imperative with far-reaching benefits for society.
“Research has shown that organisations with diverse leadership teams and inclusive cultures tend to outperform their peers, driving innovation, creativity and sustainable growth.
“By cultivating environments that value and nurture women’s EI, businesses, governments and communities can tap into a vast reservoir of talent, creativity and perspective, driving progress and prosperity for all,” she said.
EI in essence, Jessica added, encompassed a range of skills essential for navigating the complexities of modern life.
“From self-awareness and self-regulation to empathy, social skills, and relationship management, EI plays a central role in shaping how individuals understand and interact with themselves and others.
“For women, honing these emotional competencies is not just a personal pursuit but a pathway to empowerment and leadership,” she said.
She also said women had long been recognised for their natural aptitude in areas such as empathy, intuition and emotional resilience.
“These qualities, rooted in the fabric of their lived experiences, enable women to forge deep connections, build strong relationships and navigate diverse social contexts with grace and empathy.
“Whether in the workplace, the home or the community, women’s EI catalyses collaboration, innovation and positive change,” she said.
However, Jessica said despite the inherent strengths of women’s EI, they continued to face barriers and biases that hindered their advancement.
“Gender stereotypes, workplace biases and systemic inequities often undermine women’s confidence, limit their leadership opportunities and perpetuate cycles of inequality.
“To truly accelerate progress, it’s essential to dismantle these barriers and create pathways for women to fully leverage their EI and leadership potential,” she said.
Thus, Jessica called for a commitment to investing in women’s EI at every level of society.
“Let’s create inclusive workplaces that value empathy, collaboration and diversity of thought, where women can thrive and lead authentically.
“Let’s advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, closing the gender pay gap, expanding access to education and training, and removing barriers to women’s leadership and advancement,” she said.
Moreover, she said it was important to recognise the critical role of education in nurturing EI from an early age, instilling values of empathy, resilience, and inclusivity in future generations of women and girls.
“By equipping them with the emotional skills and tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, we empower them to become confident, compassionate leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
“In conclusion, investing in women’s EI isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic imperative for building a more equitable inclusive, and prosperous world for all,” said Dr Jessica.
