Why do we need Mentors for Women?
Tracy Brower writing on Sponsorship, Advocacy And Mentorship for Forbes wrote
When constructive programs, practices and policies are in place, mentorship can be a powerful way to reinforce positive experiences. Relationships are a critical element of health, wellbeing and success. Flanders says of mentoring, “Mentoring is an essential tool and relationship for elevating women in the workplace. The most impactful mentors serve as trusted-advisors and organizational change advocates helping women address glass ceilings, pay inequity and other work culture injustices that are still in place.”
Of course, mentors for women may be any gender, but it’s especially powerful to see women boosting other women: Mothers coaching mothers, working women supporting women in the workplace and women helping those who may be struggling with life issues. Kathryn Harrison-Thomas, CRS EMEA Region Head for Citicorp says, “Without access to mentors and sponsors who can support women and their career aspirations, we will continue to see disappointing statistics about the advancement of women in the workplace.” She shares an example of an association of which she is a part, “At CREW Network, we are delivering mentoring program in North America and the UK designed to help women in real estate realize their potential, and I encourage all women at any stage of their career to pursue these sorts of opportunities. It’s never too late to put in the work, and most importantly, strike up a fantastic network of supporters.” Intentional approaches to mentorship demonstrate value for women’s contributions and a commitment to improve their conditions and to coach and empower them.
In Sum
The pandemic has been tough, and especially so for women. But the opportunity going forward is for us to influence systems and structures to provide more advantages and equity for women—and for people to support each other in the process of empowering and enabling women to improve their conditions and create fulfillment.
So no matter where you are on your journey, mentoring would make a difference to that journey. There is plenty of research out there indicating that making mentoring more available to women would result in a positive step change to their lives and their careers.
Ask yourself some of these questions?
Are you just starting out ?
Do you need support to help you on your journey ?
Are you stuck ?
Has your journey taken you to a place you didn’t expect ?
Are you happy with your progress but want to consider next steps?
Are you struggling to see a way forward ?
Whatever your story so far, Mentors for Women is here to help. We have Mentors from different backgrounds, countries, life and work experiences, with varied skills and expertise. We hope there is someone here who can help you, with whom you can engage in a meaningful mentoring relationship.
Could you support someone else on their journey, with your skills and life experience ? Could you support someone who needs to find a way through the situation they find themselves in ? Why not join us and become one of our valued mentors.
Are you looking for a corporate solution to mentoring? We can provide a tailored solution to meet your organisations needs, from mentoring through to training. Let us manage the process, and report on progress for you. We can onboard both mentees and mentors and provide training to ensure that the your employees can gain the most from the experience.
Are you looking for a new way to improve your mentoring, how about doing one of our experiential training days. learn and practice, network with other mentors, hone your skills.
Join us at Mentors for Women here , to make a step change in mentoring and a difference to peoples lives.
