By Joanna Campbell 

Principal at Dumfries and Galloway College and Chair of the College Principals' Group

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women everywhere - achievements enabled by the unique strengths and perspectives we bring. As a female Principal in a Scottish college, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of women in leadership. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, could not be more timely. Now is the moment to drive meaningful change, to empower aspiring female leaders, and to fast-track progress. Strong leadership has never been more critical, and I firmly believe that women are uniquely positioned to rise to this challenge.

Education - particularly the college sector - has been a powerful platform for women to thrive. Yet, the path to leadership remains steep, not just in education but across industries and politics. A recent McKinsey report highlights that only 29% of senior roles are held by women. While this is an improvement from the 15% reported in 2015, the pace of change is simply too slow. Even more concerning, women are underrepresented at every level of management, regardless of race or ethnicity, with estimates suggesting it could take nearly 50 years to achieve true gender parity. We cannot accept this timeline. We must act now.

While the statistics paint a stark picture, I am incredibly proud to be part of a sector that values diversity and inclusivity. Time and again, I have seen women at the forefront of creating environments where everyone - regardless of background - has a voice and a seat at the table. As Michelle Obama famously said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” The ambition I see in the women around me - whether students, staff, or colleagues - is boundless. But ambition alone is not enough. Leadership demands resilience, mentorship, and a cultural shift that empowers women to step forward with confidence.

Women bring something extraordinary to leadership - something far beyond competence or expertise. We lead with purpose. As a Principal, I see students and staff navigating complex challenges that extend well beyond academics or work. Leadership is not about power; it’s about vision, collaboration, and creating pathways for others to succeed. Women often excel in fostering inclusivity and connection, yet too many of us still grapple with self-doubt, the “disease to please”, and the reluctance to fully own our accomplishments. It’s time to rewrite that narrative.

Like so many women, I have balanced multiple roles - mother, educator, carer, leader. But rather than seeing this as a challenge, I’ve come to recognize it as a “superpower”. The adaptability, resilience, and strength that come from managing multiple responsibilities make us formidable leaders. Earlier in my career, I may have seen these qualities as barriers. Now, I embrace them as assets.

Despite the strides we’ve made, women in leadership still face deeply ingrained biases. We are often held to higher standards and scrutinized more harshly, particularly in senior roles. The outdated notion that leadership is inherently “male” persists, and breaking that stereotype remains an ongoing battle. While policies and practices in the UK have evolved to support women’s advancement, societal expectations still weigh heavily on us - the unspoken demand to “do it all.” It’s time to challenge that expectation and redefine leadership on our own terms.

I take immense pride in working within the Scottish education system, where diversity and equality are valued, and where women play a vital role in shaping the future. I am inspired every day by women who have shattered barriers and stepped into leadership roles across education, government, and beyond. Their success is proof that progress is not only possible but inevitable - when we accelerate it.

For me, mentorship and allyship have been crucial. One of the greatest privileges of leading in education is the opportunity to foster that same support for others - to create environments where women are encouraged to rise, lead, and thrive. But not all women have access to mentors or role models, and that must change. Visibility matters. Representation matters. We cannot afford to leave this to chance.

Looking to the future, leadership from a woman’s perspective isn’t just about holding a position of power - it’s about creating opportunities for others to excel. If we want to see more women in leadership, we must take deliberate action to cultivate inclusive, empowering cultures where they can flourish. Leadership should not be reserved for a select few. It must be a space where talent, ambition, and vision - not gender - define success.

Women belong in leadership. We bring value, innovation, and a perspective that strengthens our institutions and communities. To the young women in my college, and to women everywhere: step forward. Your voice is essential. Your leadership matters. And to those already in positions of influence, I urge you - fix the broken rung. Lift others as you climb. Together, we can #AccelerateAction and create a future where women in leadership is not the exception - it’s the norm.