Extensive research shows that a greater representation of women in leadership positions helps organizations attract the best talent, reduce turnover, achieve better outcomes, improve access to target markets and minimize financial risk.
More progress needs to be made to close the leadership gender gap. Today, women currently make up 48%1 of the workforce, yet hold only 10.6%2 of top corporate positions in Fortune 500 companies.
While many have taken steps to improve workplace diversity, the problem persists because of ingrained cultural norms, workplace structures and patterns of interaction that inherently favor men.
Smith College Executive Education programs provide women leaders the tools to recognize and address these often invisible challenges so that they can reach their full potential as leaders, and their organizations can benefit from the diversity of thought and talent that comes with gender parity.
Our unique approach is designed to:
- Identify and tackle the unique barriers to advancement faced by women
- Prioritize women’s preferred learning styles
- Explore the leadership growth opportunities that particularly support women
- Expand women’s network of true peers
- Allow women to explore their leadership identity
REFERENCES
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023) Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. Retrieved October 18, 2023
- Pew Research Center (2023) Women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies, 1995-2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023