Power and gender in social work leadership

Thinking about social work in terms of leadership is something that concerns and challenges all professionals, whether or not we hold a position of management or responsibility. It leads us to reflect on how we relate to power, how our gender identity influences us, and what kind of leadership we identify with. These are often-unexamined questions that make us uncomfortable, and which we often try to avoid. However, we must reflect on them if we aspire to lead the field of knowledge and intervention in social work and social services with practices rooted in ethics, commitment and social justice. This article shares the findings of research based on the practice of accompaniment and supervision with professionals in social action, primarily social workers in social services who hold positions of responsibility. These findings have taught us about the contextual, professional and personal constraints the social workers face on a daily basis, and together we have built action strategies for more effective and helpful performance. In conclusion, this article is an invitation to reflect on leadership in social work, our professional identity and the role we play in social policies.