We’ve often heard the belittling stereotypes that women can’t work well together, or that we are catty towards one another and don’t often like to see another woman succeed. Although we’ve constantly tried to break out of this notion that we are somehow too deficient to be professional and forward-thinking, it often persists because of a lack of mentorship, women mentoring other women.
A number of writers have spoken about why having diversity in mentorship is important, but truth be told we still need that network of women to help us have an edge in our spheres of influence. Here’s why:
1. A woman needs someone who’s going to listen to her ideas, take them seriously, and push them forward into spheres of leadership and decision making. Having a fellow sister who knows what it’s like to break through that glass ceiling, or to wade through the resistance sometimes found in various industries, is helpful. More experienced women can help their younger or sometimes newer counterparts navigate the difficult spaces that still exist in our workplaces.
2. Movements like #metoo have shown us the value that there is in numbers, the value that there is in not feeling isolated. There can be difficult and rather personal situations that a woman can sometimes only share with another woman. Sadly, the reality of sexual harassment is still real and can be encountered in a work or business environment, the last thing you want to do is open up to a male colleague who probably only reminds you of the pervert who thought he could get away with it. This is not to say some men cannot be sympathetic or supportive.
3. Speaking of the value in numbers. We all know from numerous reports, news reports, and world campaigns that equality for women, whether be it in pay or leadership opportunities, is far from having been achieved. We need more women in power who will hold out a hand to the woman behind her and make it easier to not only get their ideas into the board room but help them cultivate their skills and get them a seat at the table. The qualities often associated with this achievement are ambition and boldness, characteristics men are more likely to share with other men than with their female equals. Part of what helps with this, says Goergene Huang, founder of a community of women in the workplace, is having women sponsor women as well. Often times, she says, women who sponsor other women come with a well-connected group of women too. A sort of girls’ club, because we know we’re never going to be part of the community of the boy’s club right?
4. While I could go on about more advantages to having women mentor other women, I think a very important thing to remember for any woman who might wonder if their efforts are worth it: you’re planting a seed. And more likely than not, the woman you mentored is going to pay it forward get her own mentee or group of mentees and the cycle continues.
Simply put: this my friends, is how we change the world. So I do hope that if you find yourself at the top rung of the ladder, looking out at the world that you helped create, you will think about looking back down and giving a helping hand to the woman coming up behind you. Together you can walk onto a plateau where there is plenty of room for us all.