The power of female mentorship in tech

What is female mentorship?

Female mentorship in the tech industry is a dynamic relationship where experienced women professionals provide guidance, support, and wisdom to more junior women navigating their careers in a male-dominated field. Natasha Koifman writes in Forbes that having a mentor is about having someone in your corner who can provide valuable feedback, encouragement and support to help you grow both professionally and personally. It's about more than just sharing knowledge; it's about building trust, fostering growth, and creating a supportive network where women can thrive.

The power of female mentorship

A key advantage of female mentorship lies in having a mentor of the same gender. Female mentors understand the unique challenges and biases that women face in the tech industry, creating a safe and empathetic space for mentees to share their experiences and seek advice. An earlier study conducted by LeanIn shows that 60% of male managers are uncomfortable mentoring women which emphasises the need for female mentors, especially in an industry where most leaders are still men.

Intersectionality

It's essential that mentors and mentees share experiences that extend beyond gender. This acknowledgment ensures a deeper understanding of the complexities women face, considering factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and more. By having mentors who can relate to these intersecting identities, mentees gain invaluable support and guidance that addresses the multifaceted challenges they encounter in their professional journey.

Social capital

Female mentors often possess valuable social capital within the tech community, including access to networks, resources, and opportunities. By leveraging their connections, they can open doors for their mentees, helping them gain visibility and recognition in a male-dominated field.

Growth

Female mentorship fosters personal and professional growth by providing a platform for mentees to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback, empowering mentees to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Closing the gender gap

One of the most significant impacts of female mentorship is its contribution to closing the gender gap in the tech industry. By providing support and guidance to women entering or progressing within the field, female mentors play a crucial role in increasing gender diversity and representation in the male-dominated industry.

The benefits of female mentorship

There are many benefits to female mentorship in the tech world. Female mentorship is key in fostering personal development by providing a safe and supportive environment for mentees to explore their goals and aspirations. Mentors offer insights, advice, and encouragement, helping mentees develop self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. Nikki Wilton, a sales and transformation leader who made a strong and rewarding mentor match on the RightBrains platform in 2020, articulated: “Mentors, for me, and particularly smart mentors, give mentees the tools they need to show them how to believe in themselves.”

In addition to personal growth, female mentorship is crucial for driving career development in the tech industry. Mentors provide guidance on career planning, skill development, and advancement opportunities, helping mentees navigate their career paths with clarity and confidence.

Finally, female mentorship brings the potential for lifelong connections and friendships, enriching both personal and professional lives of individuals and communities.

The RightBrains Growth and Mentor Programme offers all the benefits outlined above, in a unique and tailored way, with the goal of building a strong, diverse and inclusive IT organisations and sector.

The five pillars of mentorship

Trust

Building trust is essential for effective mentorship. Mentors create a safe and supportive environment where mentees feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking guidance.

Communication

Clear and open communication is key to successful mentorship. Mentors and mentees maintain regular dialogue to ensure alignment and progress towards goals they agreed upon at the start of their mentoring relationship.

Guidance

Mentors offer guidance and support by sharing their experiences, insights, and advice. They empower mentees to overcome challenges and make informed decisions.

Empowerment

Mentors empower mentees to take ownership of their growth and development. They encourage mentees to set ambitious goals and pursue opportunities with confidence. And as Oprah Winfrey said: “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself”.

Mentorship is an ongoing journey that requires commitment and consistency. Mentors and mentees cultivate long-term relationships built on mutual respect, support, and accountability.