03/27/2018

Why We Need To Ditch “Fix The Women” Solutions

Here’s why advancing gender equality matters

Companies have been trying to advance women in the workplace for years. The only problem is the solutions tend to be focused on “fixing women.” We see this everywhere. In mentoring, coaching, development and sponsorship programs. In books suggesting women just need to network, negotiate and speak up more to get ahead. These solutions have not worked. Leadership positions in organizations are still dominated by men. The Lean In 2017 Women In The Workplace Report revealed that women continue to remain underrepresented at every level in corporate America. Women did what was asked. We got the mentors. We got the sponsors. We attended the development programs. At some point, we need to give up and accept that these solutions will not solve the issue of gender inequality in the workplace.

Why does advancing gender equality matter? The consulting firm Accenture recently released the report When She Rises, We All Rise. The report identifies key factors that increase gender equality in the workplace. Broadly these include three things. Leaders who are committed to gender equality and willing to take action. Solutions that include men. And workplace practices that support employees to be themselves. When these three factors are present women are four times more likely to reach senior manager and director roles. These factors also help to close the pay gap because women are likely to earn more. Up to 51 percent more. Globally, that equates to a lift in women’s earnings of US$2.9 trillion. Equal workplaces do not just improve the career prospects for women. Men are twice as likely to rise to senior management positions in cultures that support equality.

"It is not that women rise when cultures are strong, but rather all people rise. This is why it is important to look at equality holistically. It is not just about creating things that help women. It is about leveling the playing field for men and women so they are both included in the dialogue around equality,” says Ellyn Shook, Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer, Accenture. Advancing gender equality matters because it benefits all of us.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Thrive Global.