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Leadership
Gender Leadership: The Importance of Mentoring
Women are still underrepresented in top leadership positions.
Posted March 5, 2024 Reviewed by Hara Estroff Marano
Key points
- Despite comprising nearly half of the U.S. labor force, women are underrepresented in top leadership roles.
- Mentorship is identified as a crucial solution to barriers hindering women's career advancement.
An abundance of qualified women are capable of assuming leadership positions, constituting nearly half of the U.S. labor force and surpassing men in educational achievements. Despite this, men disproportionately hold esteemed leadership roles across various sectors. According to the Pew Research Center, women occupy only a small percentage of Fortune 500 chief executive and board member positions, with a majority of Americans acknowledging the underrepresentation of women in top executive business roles.
Globally, the proportion of women in legislative bodies is increasing, but their representation remains inadequate, with fewer than one-third of UN member states ever led by a woman. Barriers to women's career advancement contribute to the disproportionate dominance of men in senior roles worldwide. Mentorship emerges as a solution to this gender gap, providing tangible role models and guidance for women in professional settings.
Female mentors offer inspiration and confidence to other women, encouraging them to pursue their career aspirations. Mentors actively engage with mentees, providing guidance, sharing experiences, and facilitating skill development. One notable program addressing the need is EmpowerHerMentoring, founded by Wendy Mitchell, with over 30 years of experience in public service and the private sector.
Q: What inspired you to launch EmpowerHerMentoring?
A: I've had the privilege to accumulate diverse experiences. From my early days as an intern in the State Capitol, through various roles spanning statewide campaigns, serving as a Senator's Chief of Staff, and establishing my own successful government relations consulting business, my journey has been rich and enlightening. However, it was the challenges I encountered, navigating the complex world of politics without a dedicated mentor, that ignited the idea. I yearned for consistent guidance, connections, and informed advice, which I now aim to provide.
Now, with a Master’s degree in public administration, appointments by three California governors to regulatory bodies, and extensive nonprofit board experience, I am in a position to be the mentor I once sought. I'm excited to share my insights with the next generation of women in politics, assisting them in overcoming workplace obstacles, strategizing career advancements, and balancing professional growth with personal development. Offering this as a paid service ensures a level of commitment and access that many women currently lack.
Q: What was the driving force behind the creation of EmpowerHerMentoring?
A: My motivation is to empower women on their unique journeys. While I've always naturally mentored those around me, I observed a significant gap in dedicated, personalized mentorship for women at various career stages. Existing programs often fall short in providing the necessary time and attention. Recognizing the void, I felt compelled to make this level of support accessible to a broader audience.
Q: Is your program only for women in politics and public policy?
A: The wisdom gained over three decades is universally applicable and benefits a diverse workforce. We welcome women from all backgrounds, committed to meeting various mentoring needs.
Q: How do you embrace diversity and inclusion in mentorship?
A: We actively cultivate a mentorship community reflecting diverse backgrounds to ensure everyone has access to vital guidance. Our commitment to inclusivity enriches the mentorship experience and fosters a nurturing environment for all.
We recognizes the unique hurdles women frequently encounter in professional environments. Our program specifically tailors its curriculum to address common challenges such as negotiating for higher pay, navigating interactions with difficult colleagues or superiors, achieving a work-life balance between family and career duties, and mastering the art of being assertive without being perceived as aggressive. By confronting these issues head-on, we equip mentees with the confidence and skills necessary to overcome obstacles and succeed.
Female mentors play a vital role in promoting gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce, and their contributions are essential for empowering women to achieve their full potential in their careers.
References
Women Are Still Underrepresented in Leadership and the Technology, Information and Media industry, March 7, 2023
How Americans see the state of gender and leadership in business, Sept. 2023
