Ensuring Equality in Male-Dominated Industries

Dec 1

Photo by Amy Hirschi

Take a moment and visualize the world where gender doesn't dictate your career trajectory. In this ideal world, your merits and strengths propel you forward, unhindered by the invisible weight of biases, even if they're unconscious.

However, the reality is far from this ideal for many women, especially those venturing into traditionally male-dominated fields. A consistent obstacle these women face isn't the lack of ambition or determination (contrary to what some people insist). In fact studies by McKinsey show that 80% of women want to be promoted. Instead, it's an alarming mentorship disparity stemming from deep-seated gender biases.

Living in the Shadows: Increasing Discomfort

Recent studies, done by LeanIn.org, are showing that increasing numbers of men within professional settings exhibit discomfort when it comes to mentoring female colleagues. "60% of managers who are men now say they are uncomfortable participating in common job-related activities with women, such as mentoring, working alone together, or socializing together."

Why is this happening?

There are a number of factors but in addition to the old socially ingrained biases and stereotypes, post # MeToo era office politics has some men fearing how 1-1 meetings with a woman might look. Regarding 1-1 meetings, Lean In states that "senior men are 12 times more likely to hesitate to meet with a woman than a man. Business travel: 9 times more likely to hesitate. Work dinners: 6 times more likely."

This further perpetuates some men's reluctance to mentor women, unintentionally widening the career hurdles for women. Despite numerous strides toward gender equality in the workplace, this bias-laden hesitation shackles the potential of capable women.

The Domino Effect: Impact of the Mentorship Gap

The repercussions of the mentorship gap extend further than just professional growth. It seeps into the foundational confidence that nurtures women's ambition. The Women in the Workplace archive reports by McKinsey (2015-2022), paint a grim picture, showing that only one in four C-suite leaders is a woman. This lack of representation is more than just statistics; it reflects the stark limitations women face in their career development.

Broadening the sectoral diversity, studies have highlighted that Latinas and Black women find themselves in a more precarious position. They frequently report a lack of managerial support concerning career development. This imbalance reduces a sense of psychological safety, which is a cornerstone for innovation and risk-taking.

Exclusionary practices, some overt and others subtle, contribute to this dynamic. When women are sidelined from meetings, work trips, and social gatherings where male colleagues comfortably participate, it magnifies a feeling of 'otherness' and exclusion. As a result, it compounds women's hesitation to raise their voices and take initiative.

A study by Zachary Estes found that doubt (again, not less ambition) is often a key factor of women holding back. Taking less action leads to missed opportunities to learn and grow, fewer opportunities to build confidence, and fewer opportunities for promotions. One study showed that just thinking about whether female test takers felt certain about their answer, noticeably undermined their performance in tests (scoring 75), while improving the men's performance (leading to a score of 93!). This shows that the answer isn't going to be to treat all women like one of the guys or expect women to behave that way, but to find new ways of understanding and showing respect for the differences.

The Imperative of Building Supportive Networks

Emphasizing the importance of role models across fields - be it in sciences, business, politics, arts, or competitive sports - is fundamental. Mentors are more than just inspiring figures; they demonstrate the possibilities and encourage women to push their boundaries.

Self-recognition and external acknowledgment of accomplishments play a profound role in transforming our self-perception. If we understand our worth and have spaces where we can voice our successes, it sparks a positive cycle, leading to greater workplace success.

This is why communities like the Baus Ladies Network play such an instrumental role. Creating positive environments by providing support, mentorship, and camaraderie. Grounded in personal growth, Baus Ladies Network aims to empower women through authentic connections and shared experiences across industries.

Implementing Change: A Step Towards A More Inclusive World

Addressing the mentorship gap requires a conscious and continuous commitment from individuals and workplaces. Research reveals that companies boasting inclusive representation perform better. By fostering a conducive environment for mentorship, we should aim to promote inclusion, build stronger career development structures, and prioritize well-being at the workplace.

Organizations should ensure a balance in creating opportunities for the promotion of women to the first levels of management. This strategy will ensure a larger pool of women are available and ready for future senior leadership roles. The numbers show that with men in manager-level positions outnumbering women 3 to 2 there are fewer women to promote as you move higher up the leadership levels.

But it's not just about changing the corporate landscape; it's also about how women navigate their careers within it. For those seeking mentors, be confident in understanding your worth, unafraid to approach potential mentors, and determined to forge a career path that resonates with your ambition and values.

Overcoming mentorship barriers is not just a "nice to have", it's a necessity for countless women in male-dominated industries. Every step matters, and you don't have to do it alone.

If you found this article helpful, pay it forward and pass it along.

✨ About the Author

Georgiana Haynes is an architectural designer and founder of The Baus Ladies Network — a coaching community for women in high-impact industries who are ready to lead with confidence and pursue success with purpose. She helps professionals redefine success, build authentic confidence, and design personal roadmaps to fulfilling, limitless success.

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