Empowering Women Leaders: Transformative Role Of Mentorship
In India, more women are taking charge as leaders every year. Back in 2013, only about 6 per cent of women were in boardrooms. Now, that number has risen to approximately 18 per cent. It’s a sign that businesses are starting to recognise the value of diversity. But we still have a long way to go. Women make up half of the population, so it's only fair that they have an equivalent say in business decisions too.
When women are in leadership roles, it not only benefits them but also inspires other women. However, the reality is stark - there aren’t many women in leadership roles. For every 10 men in Corporate India, only three are women and just one makes it to the leadership roles.
So, what's holding women back from reaching those top jobs? There are several reasons. Firstly, women doubt themselves more than men. Years of societal expectations and norms can make them feel like they need to follow the rules more strictly, making them overly cautious.
Secondly, it's not just women who see themselves negatively. There’s a tendency to compare women leaders to male counterparts that perpetuate self-depreciation. The ticking of the biological clock further accentuates this predicament, pushing women to quit or plateau before they reach leadership roles.
Another common obstacle is the systemic bias that women bear the primary responsibility for running a household. Many women take career breaks for childcare or eldercare, or to support their children during crucial school years. This burden isn't typically placed on men, which unfairly affects women's career trajectories.
To address these challenges and break the elusive glass ceiling, women need trusted mentors who can provide guidance and support. Mentorship is crucial for helping women navigate their careers. Having someone who has faced similar challenges and reached the top can boost confidence, job satisfaction, and ambition.
Mentoring provides a safe space for women to share their experiences and find their voice, particularly in male-dominated environments. In a diverse country like ours, mentoring allows for valuable cross-cultural learning and understanding.
However, mentorship isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It needs to be tailored to each woman's individual needs and aspirations. The leadership of the companies must actively support mentoring programs to foster a culture of inclusivity and support.
At HDFC Life, we're committed to empowering women in their careers. We've established group and individual mentoring programs specifically designed for women in the middle of their careers. These initiatives help women break through barriers and challenge stereotypes that may hold them back.
For women returning from career breaks, we offer a special program called Punaraagman, which provides equal opportunities for second-career women to restart their professional journeys.
Mentorship indeed is a powerful tool for helping women become leaders and make a real difference. It’s our turn to keep putting effort into women's mentoring programs and applaud as more and more women climb to the top.
The author is MD & CEO, HDFC Life
