Mentoring has become essential for women in today’s professional environment.
Mentoring provides guidance, feedback, networks, and opportunities that help women’s career progress. This is particularly true in fields with a male majority where gender imbalances exist.
An organization can increase the diversity of its workforce by providing mentoring to women to diversify leadership ranks and challenge systemic biases. As an example, according to a study by the Anita Borg Institute, 77% of women in tech with mentors are more likely to stay in the industry after three years than those without mentors.
Key reasons why mentorship is important for women in the workplace
- A mentor can guide a mentee’s career path by ensuring they develop the desired skills, which can help them reach their advancement goals and provide better opportunities for promotion.
- A helpful mentor can assist their mentee in overcome self-doubt and build confidence in their abilities to help them take on new challenges and responsibilities.
- Through mentorship, women can access networks and contacts that open doors to new opportunities.
- Mentors can help women understand and navigate potential gender biases in the workplace, providing strategies to address them effectively.
- Mentorship is vital for women aspiring to leadership roles, guiding leadership styles, decision-making, and navigating complex organizational dynamics.
- Women mentors can be positive role models, demonstrating successful careers and inspiring other women to seek leadership positions.
- Providing mentorship programs can increase employee retention rates for women, as it signals a commitment to their professional development and career growth.
The value of mentorship programs
In Canada, mentoring programs are crucial for promoting gender diversity and women’s career advancement. In such programs, women hone critical skill development, improving leadership, negotiation tactics, and professional insight. The process also enhances a mentee’s self-confidence through personal guidance and perspective, empowering them to take on new challenges and pursue opportunities.
In addition, mentoring fosters essential networking connections, which expose female professionals to extensive professional networks, more career opportunities, and better development.
Mentorship programs also play a key role in bridging the gender gap at the leader’s level. These programs contribute to more inclusive workplaces, creating a supportive environment grounded in mutual respect, equity, and inclusion. In empowering women to rise into leadership positions, mentorship ensures diverse and equitable conditions for leadership landscapes. Ultimately, these programs serve more than individual career growth; they drive meaningful organizational and societal headways toward gender equity.
Three real-world examples of successful mentorship programs
1. The Forum’s Mentorship Program
The Canadian nonprofit organization The Forum guided more than 2,000 female entrepreneurs through its program and empowered them to succeed in business. The organization automated the mentor-matching process to scale this initiative, tailoring guidance and support to more women. The mentees reported enhanced confidence and worthwhile insights from their mentors.
2. CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program
CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program trains women credit union managers worldwide for professional and personal growth. Working in partnership with Canadian Credit Unions, under the Government of Canada, the program has helped 280 women in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
3. Wisdom Mentoring Program
The Wisdom Mentoring Program focuses on mentoring women in one-to-one settings and empowering work and personal life. The program includes monthly virtual sessions covering topics such as career planning, leadership presence, having difficult conversations, or overcoming imposter syndrome. It has a platform for network connection, which includes insightful discussions and guidance in managing mentor-mentee relationships with top female business leaders. This program creates meaningful relationships and provides guidance for continued career growth.
Final thoughts
Mentorship empowers women and helps them deal with workplace challenges to achieve high levels of leadership. Being allowed access to mentorship, networks, and opportunities contributes to career success and a more diversified, inclusive, and equitable workforce. And as organizations keep investing in mentorship, they will be transformation agents, shaping the future for women in every sector.
Michael Bach is an author and speaker, a thought leader in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, and an IDEA consultant to BuildForce Canada.
Respectful and Inclusive Workplaces
