The role of female mentorship

Women continue to be underrepresented in management roles in American workforces. Although women make up nearly half the workforce, they hold just 37% of all leadership positions. In terms of career advancement, building relationships with female mentors can be invaluable.

When women support and advocate for each other at work, they’re more apt to be able to successfully navigate professional minefields, like wage gaps and having fewer leadership opportunities. In terms of professional development, mentorship is often key—whether that’s identifying and finding your own female mentors, or paying it back by mentoring women in your industry. Mentors can offer guidance, share their career insights, and give constructive feedback. Having mentors you trust can also help you expand your professional network. On an individual basis, this helps women get ahead at work; in terms of creating a more equitable society, more women staying and thriving in the workplace, getting promoted to leadership roles, and promoting new female hires contributes to more inclusive workplaces in the long run.

Empowered women are changing the world for the better—and having a strong community of women in your own life will help you feel more motivated + supported professionally, and safer + happier in your personal life. So be sure to reach out to someone you admire in your industry, or just text the group chat how much you love them all. When we have each others’ backs, we’re all better for it.