The world needs women leaders – from running companies to running countries. Gender equal leadership will lead to a more inclusive and effective society.
Yet, even though women enter the workforce in relatively equal numbers as men, the rise to the top can be slower and harder for women. And, with global talent shortages at a record high that is almost double that of a decade ago, it is critical to harness all potential talent in this era of high-skills shortage and low unemployment.
From having good workplace policies, processes and support in place through to excellent benefits and a strong commitment to inclusion, here are some ways companies can aim to attract and retain more women leaders.
1) Offer workplace benefits beyond pay along with security
For companies to attract women into leadership roles, they need to offer more than just good pay, such as employee training and development opportunities, good work/life balance, and flexibility.
And it’s flexibility that is particularly needed, especially as many women still remain the primary caregivers and homemakers outside of working hours, so it is important that companies understand and respect the wide demands often placed on working women.
2) Break the male line of succession
A lack of women leaders at the top can not always be attributed to a lack of female talent. Many women feel blocked from senior ranks due to all-male lines of succession.
Breaking this line of succession requires reversing stereotypes. For example, societal consciousness needs to stop labelling law, engineering and accountancy as male jobs with HR, marketing and communications being seen as female jobs.
Companies must clearly articulate and make transparent the specific skills and experiences needed for movement into leadership levels and should identify suitable mechanisms for helping women build exposure to the scenarios they need in order to progress.
3) Increase the diversity of talent in STEM
Technological advancement sees an ever-increasing number of new roles and industries, from AI to coding. However, the number of women entering the technology field needs to increase along with important training and development so they can fill the wide range of STEM roles available.
For example in the United States, women comprise only 18% of computer science graduates. In cloud computing, just 12% of workers are women; with engineering, 15%; and Data and AI, just 26%.
STEM jobs are often exciting, well-paid, and are at the forefront of innovation – so it is critical women participate and excel.
4) Encourage leaders to take responsibility for their actions
One of the best strategies for companies is to ensure current leaders take responsibility in helping to lift women up.
All leaders have the influence to instigate change, so it is important that the words, actions and decisions of leaders are fair and inclusive in promoting and encouraging women. Leaders should ensure there are adequate policies and strategies in place to create inclusive workplace cultures where people’s differences are valued. Such workplaces ensure everyone – regardless of background or identity – is respected, their voices heard and their actions valued.
We can also see how women are been motivated or pushed to pursue their work at grass root, rural and semi-urban level. We all say that education starts at home but it is not about education but the mentality of the parents that give their children the direction and also nurture their way of understanding. That is why many girls give up on their dreams and don’t pursue their work because of the responsibilities handed over by the society and suffer in their upcoming future.
For this Amrohasay plans to have a vision, a vision which is already on its way to make amends by bringing out the talents of the people from all areas who gave up on their dreams and weren’t provided the opportunity to go to colleges of their interest. Thus, helping these people by giving them another chance to make themselves independant and proud of themselves.
So, let’s all challenge the status quo to create truly inclusive and supportive environments where women can excel and constantly achieve their full potential.
-Harshil Chaturvedi
