Know Your Place

Marianne Gradwell
3 hours ago
3 min read

For generations, the phrase “know your place” has been used to silence women, to confine them to the margins of society, and to discourage ambition. But today we reclaim those words - not as a limitation, but as a declaration:

Know your place

in boardrooms, in parliaments, in laboratories,

in classrooms, and in every space where decisions are made.

Your place is at the table, not on the sidelines.

Despite the fact that we are living in the 21^st century, women remain under-represented in leadership roles across the globe. As of 2025, women hold just 30.6% of leadership positions worldwide. In Fortune 500 companies, only 10.4% of leadership roles are held by women. These numbers reflect a persistent gap, but also a powerful opportunity. A challenge, so to speak.

33% of Americans (including 42% of married women) believe balancing work and family responsibilities is the biggest obstacle for women in leadership.

South Africa, however, stands out as a beacon of progress. According to the 2025 Grant Thornton Women in Business report, 47.2% of senior management roles in South Africa are held by women—the highest globally. Women make up 35% of CEOs, 52.7% of CFOs, and 57.1% of HROs in mid-market firms. Only 2.2% of these organisations report having no women in senior roles, a dramatic improvement from previous years.

So why do so many capable women still hesitate to lead?

The answer lies in a complex web of societal expectations, internalised doubt, and systemic barriers. From a young age, girls are often taught to be agreeable, to avoid risk, and to prioritise the needs of others over their own. Leadership, on the other hand, demands confidence, resilience, and the courage to challenge the status quo. It is time to rewrite the narrative.

Empowerment begins with mindset. Women must believe in their right – and their ability – to lead. This means embracing ambition without apology, speaking up even when it is uncomfortable, and refusing to shrink to fit outdated moulds.

It also means supporting one another.

When women lift each other up, they create a ripple effect that transforms communities and industries. But personal empowerment is only part of the equation. Institutions must also evolve. Organisations need to invest in training and development, mentorship programmes, equitable hiring practices, and inclusive cultures that value diverse perspectives. Governments must enact policies that support work-life balance, equal pay, and access to education. Change is not the responsibility of women alone—it is a collective effort.

To every woman reading this: know your place.

Know that your voice matters. Know that your ideas are powerful. Know that leadership is not reserved for just a few. Whether you’re leading a team, a movement, or your own life, step forward with purpose. The world needs your vision, your strength, and your leadership.

And to those who still use “know your place” as a warning … thank you!

You’ve reminded us exactly where we belong: at the forefront of change.

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