Entering the workforce can be a daunting experience, especially for women who often face unique challenges. I vividly recall an early interview in my career where the recruiter questioned my commitment due to my recent marriage, implying that maternity leave would hinder my professional journey. This disheartening experience, rather than deterring me, fueled my determination to pursue my true passions: teaching, leading, and mentoring.
With years of experience as both a mentee and a mentor, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact mentorship can have in empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve success. According to Grant Thornton’s International Business Report, 81% of businesses now prioritize investment in their people, with leadership development (65%) and upskilling (60%) at the forefront. These initiatives, though not always formal mentorship programs, embody the core outcomes of mentorship: empowerment, growth, and resilience.
What Mentoring Can Do:
Balance Technical and Human Skills: Effective mentorship encompasses both technical expertise and interpersonal development. While technical skills are crucial for job performance, human skills such as active listening, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking are equally vital. A mentor can help you balance these skills, ensuring you excel in your role and build strong relationships.
Adapt to Any Environment: Success often hinges on adaptability. Mentorship teaches the importance of being open to new ideas, technologies, and approaches. Embracing change, learning from challenges, and finding innovative solutions are key lessons from mentorship that help you stay resilient and relevant.
Learn from Feedback and Expand Your Network: Continuous feedback is one of the most valuable aspects of mentorship. Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement, while positive reinforcement builds confidence. Networking opens doors to opportunities you might not have encountered otherwise. Mentors can introduce you to industry leaders, professional groups, and learning opportunities that shape your career and personal life in unexpected ways.
Lead with Empathy: True mentorship involves understanding the person behind the role. Mentees are individuals with personal lives and aspirations. Providing personalized guidance, acknowledging their challenges, and celebrating their wins fosters a supportive environment where they feel encouraged to grow.
Encourage Confidence: One of the greatest outcomes of mentorship is increased confidence. Knowing that someone believes in your potential is incredibly empowering. Mentors can remind you of your strengths, push you out of your comfort zone, and help you recognize your worth.
Pursue or Reconnect with Your Passion: Successful mentorship is driven by passion. Passion fuels motivation during tough times and reminds you of your purpose. Mentoring helps you pursue or reconnect with your passion and align it with your goals.
These positive outcomes of mentorship raise an important question: what more can mentoring do for women facing inequality in the workplace?
Women often face unique challenges in the workplace, but they also bring unique strengths. The key is to focus on what you can control: your skills, experiences, and mindset. Capitalize on your experiences as a woman—whether as a professional, a mother, or a student—and let your lived experiences become your greatest asset. Reflecting on that interview years ago, I realize how passion has played a pivotal role in my career. Embracing my skills and capabilities, I was promoted while nine months pregnant on my very attempt to enter the field of talent development —a full-circle moment that proved I am more than just a woman, thanks to the mentors who pushed me to become even more.
As mentors, it’s crucial to educate younger women about embracing their strengths and developing the resilience to navigate obstacles. These stories should inspire not just the women in the team, but also the men. It is equally important to guide our male colleagues on how to engage with us respectfully and effectively. Women empowerment is not just about fighting for equality; it’s also about educating men to collaborate and support women meaningfully.
While it’s empowering to uplift women, it’s also important not to frame success solely through the lens of gender. Instead of asking, “What can I achieve as a woman?” ask, “What can I achieve as a skilled and competent individual?” By focusing on your capabilities, you break free from limitations and prove that you are more than your gender — as long as you stay true to your passion.
As we celebrate Women's Month, let us remember that the journey towards empowerment is a collective effort. By mentoring and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let us continue to uplift and inspire one another, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of empowered women. Together, we can achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on the world.
As published in The Manila Times, dated 12 March 2025
