Character Quote by Wangari Maathai
“I have always felt that perhaps women have sometimes almost embraced the same values as men, and the same character as men, because they are in the men's world, and they are trying to fit into a system that men have created. And maybe in truth when there is a critical mass of women who play that role in governments, then we will see whether women can really manage power in a way that is less destructive than the way that men have used power.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UN World Environment Assembly, 2004
Women often adopt male‑dominated norms to succeed, but a critical mass may enable a less destructive style of leadership.
In simple terms: Women imitate men to fit in; many may lead differently.
Key Takeaway
Encourage more women in leadership.
Themes
gender
leadership
power
social change
equality
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- government
- NGO leadership
- corporate boards
- community activism
Key Concepts
feminist theory
political science
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gender shape leadership styles?
- What barriers prevent women from reshaping power?
A Different Perspective
Women may still face systemic bias despite numbers.
