Celebrating International Women’s Day: The Power of Mentoring for Women
Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March, marking a global call to action for accelerating gender parity. As we acknowledge the significant contributions of women across the world, it’s essential to highlight how mentoring plays a pivotal role in creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and fostering leadership in women across all industries.
At Art of Mentoring, we recognise that mentoring is a powerful tool that empowers women to reach their full potential. It provides them with the guidance, support, and encouragement necessary to overcome obstacles and excel in their careers, ensuring they have a seat at the table in decision-making processes. In honour of International Women’s Day, let’s dive into the ways in which mentoring can positively impact women’s careers and why organisations need to foster mentoring programmes that empower women.
Mentoring: A Catalyst for Women’s Career Advancement
Mentoring is more than just advice—it’s about cultivating long-term relationships that provide women with the opportunity to grow, thrive, and develop leadership skills. Research consistently shows that women who have access to mentoring relationships are more likely to advance in their careers and earn higher salaries than those who don’t. According to a 2020 study by Forbes, women who receive mentoring are promoted five times more often than those who don’t have the same opportunity. This aligns with findings from McKinsey & Company, which reveal that women with mentors are 33% more likely to be seen as strong performers in the workplace.
Mentoring supports women in overcoming the unique challenges they face in the workplace, such as gender bias, lack of representation, and limited access to professional networks. For instance, a report from Harvard Business Review underscores that women, particularly women of colour, are often left out of informal networks and mentorship opportunities that can open doors to new projects, visibility, and leadership roles. As a result, mentoring programmes that intentionally include women in the conversation can go a long way in levelling the playing field.
Breaking Down Barriers: Why Mentoring Matters for Women in Leadership
One of the key barriers to gender equality in the workplace is the lack of female representation in leadership positions. According to a 2020 report from McKinsey, women hold only 28% of leadership roles globally, and women of colour make up just 4% of the corporate leadership pipeline. This underrepresentation is compounded by societal expectations and workplace cultures that often overlook or undervalue women’s contributions.
Mentoring helps to bridge the gender gap by providing women with access to experienced mentors who can guide them in navigating the complexities of leadership roles. A 2019 study from the University of California found that women who received mentoring were more likely to engage in self-promotion and seek out leadership opportunities, two actions that are often undervalued or discouraged in women. Through mentoring relationships, women gain the confidence to challenge existing norms, step into leadership positions, and succeed as powerful, transformative leaders.
Furthermore, mentoring programmes can also act as a means of gender advocacy, where mentors, both male and female, actively advocate for their mentees’ advancement. This approach is critical in creating a workplace culture where women’s voices are heard, valued, and given equal opportunity for career progression.
The Role of Mentoring in Fostering Inclusion and Diversity
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating women but also about ensuring that women of all backgrounds have equal access to opportunities. Inclusive mentoring programmes that focus on diversity can significantly enhance gender equality. According to Deloitte, companies with diverse leadership teams report higher levels of innovation and profitability. By embedding mentorship into the core of organisational culture, businesses can ensure that women—regardless of their ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background—are empowered to succeed.
Mentoring allows women to see the power of representation in action. Through role models and sponsorship, women are able to gain insight into how they can break through barriers in their own careers, even if they are the first or one of the few women in their field. Additionally, mentoring can foster deeper empathy and understanding within organisations, which ultimately results in more inclusive workplaces.
How Art of Mentoring Supports Women’s Empowerment
At Art of Mentoring, we believe that mentoring is an essential tool in fostering the next generation of female leaders. Our mentoring programmes are designed to connect women across industries, enabling them to develop both personally and professionally. We recognise that women often need a strong support system to navigate the unique challenges they face in the workplace, and our programmes are specifically designed to provide that support.
Whether through one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, or reverse mentoring, we help women connect with experienced mentors who can guide them toward success. Our mentorship programmes focus on building confidence, leadership skills, and networking abilities, ensuring women have the resources they need to thrive.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise that mentoring is not just about providing advice—it’s about empowering women to overcome obstacles, build networks, and break down the barriers that have historically held them back. Mentoring plays a crucial role in advancing women in leadership, helping them to rise, challenge the status quo, and ultimately transform industries. By creating mentoring opportunities for women, we are not only improving their professional journeys but also contributing to a more equitable, inclusive workforce for the future.
At Art of Mentoring, we are committed to supporting women’s growth and empowerment through structured mentoring relationships. Let’s continue to create a world where women’s potential is recognised, celebrated, and nurtured—every day, not just on International Women’s Day.
