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The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova celebrates International Women’s Week by interviewing several inspiring women who have passed through our world-renowned MBA programs. These interviews offer a unique perspective on leadership, career development, and the challenges women face in business. The following interview with Naterce Santos, an alumna of the Executive MBA 2021-23, emphasizes the significance of acknowledging global gender discrimination and promoting progress toward equality. She identifies societal expectations, particularly regarding work-life balance, as a major challenge for women and advocates for education to address gender equality in responsibilities.

 

1 | What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and why is it important?

International Women’s Week is a time to not only recall the discrimination towards women all around the world but also to celebrate the progress towards a more equalitarian world. Every man and woman should celebrate this day as a sign of social evolution. There is no doubt that in some regions of the globe, Women suffer immensely more than women I know. However, we shouldn’t forget that gender discrimination still happens in the so-called modern world. Sometimes, discrimination is silent and happens before everybody’s eyes. Celebrating International Women’s Day is a way to stand up for all the Women who need to feel support and empowerment.

 

 

2 | In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges that women face today, and how can society address them?

Expectations created by society, culture and medias are one of the biggest challenges that women face today, especially when it comes to balancing personal and professional lives. Men and women are raised in a society where perfection is the Minimum Viable Product. While doing home chores is still seen as not “manly” enough, working women are expected to still be in charge of the household duties. This causes frustration and exhaustion at so many levels. Education towards gender equality of responsibilities is key to address this challenge.

 

 

3 | Which female leader do you admire the most and why?

Dame Stephanie Shirley is certainly one of the leaders I admire the most. She was a child refugee of WWII who at five years old came to England without her parents. Dame Stephanie pioneered remote working and redefined the expectations and opportunities for working women at that time. The all-woman software company she founded was ultimately valued at almost $3 billion. She decided to give away shares of her company to 70 of her staff who became millionaires. Since ‘retiring’ her work has been in philanthropy, with a particular focus on autism and IT. She is often referred to as “Steve” because in the beginning of her entrepreneurial adventure she used to sign her letters with a male name so that clients would take her business proposals seriously.

 

 

4 | What are some concrete steps that individuals and organizations can take to promote gender equality and empower women in their communities and workplaces?

I believe education is the most powerful tool to empower women as it is key to promote critical thinking and confidence to challenge stereotypes and societal norms. Unformal education is as important. For instance, making sure both boys and girls are taught that there is no such thing as “running like a girl” or “boys don’t cry” is the responsibility of all individuals. When it comes to organizations, I believe that organizations should make sure there are no “female” or “male” position. Women and Men should be equally present in all kind of positions and hierarchies throughout the organization.

 

 

5 | Is an MBA a powerful tool for women’s empowerment?

I have no doubt an MBA is a powerful tool to empower any woman. Not only it gives unique and state-of-the-art knowledge, but also helps build the confidence to question and challenge what you are taught or told. An MBA will make you master multitasking, resilience and efficiency. It’s been the best decision of my career.

 

6 | What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers or trying to make a difference in their communities?

Humility and resilience will take you a long way. But being strategic, having a good mentor and networking will take you further, faster. Own what you want and follow your dreams without being afraid of failure.

 

Note: The views, opinions or statements shared in these interviews are those of the alumni or students interviewed.