Women in business face many challenges and barriers, such as gender bias, pay gap, lack of mentorship, and limited access to opportunities. To overcome these obstacles, women need to support each other and create a network of allies who can help them grow and succeed. Here are some tips from experts on how to be an ally to other women in business.
Celebrate and amplify their achievements
One of the ways to be an ally to other women in business is to celebrate and amplify their achievements, both big and small. According to a Forbes article by Jennifer Cohen, a leadership and performance coach, women often downplay their accomplishments or attribute them to luck or external factors. This can undermine their confidence and credibility, and prevent them from advancing in their careers. Cohen suggests that allies can help women by recognizing their contributions, giving them positive feedback, and sharing their success stories with others. This can boost their self-esteem, visibility, and reputation, and inspire other women to follow their example.
Provide mentorship and sponsorship
Another way to be an ally to other women in business is to provide mentorship and sponsorship. Mentorship is the process of offering guidance, advice, and support to someone who is less experienced or new to a field. Sponsorship is the process of advocating for someone’s career advancement, such as recommending them for a promotion, a project, or a leadership role. Both mentorship and sponsorship are crucial for women in business, as they can help them navigate the challenges, learn new skills, and access more opportunities.
According to a Harvard Business Review article by Herminia Ibarra, a professor of organizational behavior, and Anne Scoular, a former diplomat and banker, women are less likely than men to have mentors and sponsors, especially at senior levels. This can limit their career prospects and potential. Ibarra and Scoular suggest that allies can help women by offering them mentorship and sponsorship, and connecting them with other influential people in their network.
Challenge the status quo and advocate for change
A third way to be an ally to other women in business is to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. Women in business often face systemic and cultural barriers, such as discrimination, harassment, and bias, that hinder their progress and well-being. Allies can help women by speaking up against these issues, raising awareness, and demanding action. For example, allies can call out sexist or inappropriate behavior, promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, and support policies and practices that benefit women, such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and equal pay. According to a Forbes article by Shelley Zalis, the CEO of The Female Quotient, allies can also help women by creating safe spaces for them to share their experiences, voice their opinions, and collaborate with each other.
Carry as you climb
The phrase “carry as you climb” means that as one ascends in their career, they should also help others along the way. This is a powerful motto for women in business, as it encourages them to support each other and create a culture of solidarity and empowerment. According to a Forbes article by Nicole Sahin, the founder and CEO of Globalization Partners, women who carry as they climb can benefit themselves and others, as they can build trust, loyalty, and influence, and create a positive impact in the world. Sahin suggests that women can carry as they climb by mentoring and sponsoring other women, sharing their knowledge and resources, and collaborating and partnering with other women-led businesses.
Being an ally to other women in business is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do. By supporting and uplifting each other, women can create a more diverse, inclusive, and successful business environment for themselves and others.
