Female Leadership in the Pacific: An Indepth Study

Abstract

According to Deacon Ritterbush and Janice Pearson, "In most Pacific societies, women are -- and have always been a powerful force in the home and the community. They not only have primary responsibility for raising the children and managing the household but also provide important support for men in their political and professional endeavors." (Ritterbush and Pearson, 195). Even though the Pacific female holds much power and authority in the household, in professional work environments, she is restrained from occupying top leadership positions. This may be due to the traditional stereotypes held by both men and women of these Pacific cultures. This may be one of the major setbacks for women in this culture as it is in many others. It appears the men are the main economic and financial supporters of families, whereas women hold the decision making power within the household. The women decide how to allocate the finances and in addition, they dictate the educational paths of their children. There seems to be an inconsistency in the actual power these Pacific women have and in the manifestation of this power within the professional work environments.