Elevate HER — Lionesses of Africa

by Shato Babitse 

Today, women comprise nearly half of the global workforce. The additional productive power of women entering the workforce from 1970 until today accounts for about 25% of current GDP. This makes women a strong force in the global economy, one that is growing as more women across the world enter the workforce in greater numbers, than ever before.

With such an influx of women into the corporate world, it would seem inevitable that more women would begin to fill executive offices. Sadly, it hasn’t been the case. There are, however, a few who successfully make it to the top of their field, but it is a long, hard climb. And what these women tend to have in common is the vital role that mentorship played in the course of their professional journey. 

It is imperative that more women in leadership positions actively support and contribute to a mentoring uprising in the modern workplace. This is one lever we can activate to advance more women in their work, to help them gain access to capital and economic opportunities they may otherwise miss, and to be better prepared for opportunities when they come. In a recent article by Heather Graham, she observes that we often measure success by what many consider to be “masculine” qualities, and that we could all benefit from celebrating “feminine” leadership attributes more than we do. I believe that as women leaders, we have a responsibility to use our power to help lift other women up. Why? Because mentored women are statistically more successful in the workplace than non-mentored women. They rise to positions of power and influence more quickly and with fewer hurdles than women who don’t have a mentor. According to a study conducted by Development Dimensions International Inc. (2013), an overwhelming 63% of women were reported to have never had a mentor. This indicates a big development gap, considering that 67% of women rate mentorship as highly important in helping to advance and grow their careers.

Many women work in what we perceive as isolation, often feeling like they are not part of the ‘boys club’. Mentorship can help crack open the unhealthy belief that “I am alone”. It helps build a sisterhood and provides a sense of companionship and solidarity. 

Additionally, it is particularly beneficial when a female leader mentors multiple women, as it creates a domino effect that encourages those mentored women to eventually mentor other women, which then becomes a catalyst to a long list of organizational benefit, community building and hopefully more women in leadership roles. In a report by the Global Leadership Forecast of 2015, it states that the top 20% of financially  successful companies are comprised of 37% female leaders, compared to the bottom 20% of companies who are reported to have less than 19% women leaders. It is therefore evident that the female frame of reference is clearly of great benefit to any organization’s growth.

Despite the significant improvements in the advancement of women all around the world, the majority of top leadership positions are still held by men. And although some women are breaking the pattern, others struggle to thrive. So, let us steer the conversation, and help elevate one another.