Bengaluru: For the last two days, we have been witnessing a tussle for power between Sasikala and O. Panneerselvam in Tamil Nadu. The political vacuum caused by Amma’s demise last year is hard to fill and it says a lot about her leadership qualities. It is hard to miss her political acumen and control over her party, that is still using her name to connect with the masses and form a government.

At a time, when a close aide of hers, Sasikala is trying to show similar control over the party, it will be interesting to understand if women make better leaders. Starting from Indira Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi, Jayalalitha to Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati to Rabri Devi–all have been mass leaders.

Far west, Hillary Clinton was recently quoted saying the ‘future is female.’ She has been a close contender for the post of the President of USA, Theresa May is driving UK and Angela Merkel is a name to reckon with in Germany. Kip Tindell, CEO of the Container Store was once quoted listing out the qualities that make women better leaders. ‘He believes that women possess an innate skill set that caters towards communication, empathy and emotional intelligence. Also, ‘women are much better at working in a team than their male counterparts.’ Indranil Thakurta, Manager, Crisil, says, “It is true that the EQ that a woman leader brings to the table is unique.” It is hard for a woman to lead in a patriarchal set up. Whether it is politics or a corporate house, the glass ceiling is there for you.

“No wonder female politicians are authoritative,seemingly ruthless with mercurial style of leadership which has been deliberately cultivated to keep the menfolk in their party on constant guard,” says Avantika Banerjee, CA, Taj Group. She adds, “ But as leaders, there are good and bad, leaders who connect and don’t. One can’t support on the basis of one’s gender.”