ABSTRACT
This chapter will present a view of the changing political landscape by highlighting building blocks to leadership, while analyzing variables that women must navigate. While women in politics have made long strides to move ahead in society and to be taken seriously professionally, there are still problems that they face when running for office and holding political positions. For example, women in politics are not viewed the same as their male counterparts. Gender stereotypes driven by intersectionality play a role in creating and heightening barriers experienced by women in politics along their journey to leadership. Because of this, and despite their role as leaders, women are held to dual expectations that are fundamentally different and cause a schism in perception. The chapter focuses on leadership styles: transformational and authentic, which have been theoretically or practically linked to female leaders, and more specifically, women in political positions.
