Final answer:
The senior woman's authority is most apparent in her role as a mediator to help resolve disputes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most of the senior woman's authority is apparent in her role as a mediator in resolving disputes. In this position, she acts as a facilitator and helps bring conflicting parties together in order to find a resolution and restore community solidarity. Her authority is based on persuasive power rather than formal leadership, as she uses her ability to convince others and build group consensus to resolve conflicts.