What actions can leadership take to better support and empower women in advancing to leadership roles?

Good question. As a woman, what I appreciated from my former bosses regarding this issue is that: I'm more comfortable being treated fairly and equally as any others, woman or man alike, and that I was given the same opportunity/resources/tools/support to proof myself capable enough to handle and leading the team successfully.

This way, trust and respect was earned along the journey.

But in reality, what proofs helpful and useful on who to promote to a leadership should be observed fairly and unbiased over time, often, the needs of TRUE and REAL leadership shows up in time of distress and perhaps vulnerable situations that the team or company is facing. See it clearly without a bias who is a true and good leader regardless of their title or position in the organization.

Leadership can take several actionable steps to better support and empower women in advancing to leadership roles 

 • Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs.
 • Offer flexible work policies (e.g., remote work, flexible hours).
 • Promote inclusive leadership training to address unconscious bias.
 • Ensure equal pay and transparent opportunities for advancement.
 • Foster work-life integration through wellness programs and childcare support.
 • Create safe environments with clear reporting mechanisms for harassment.
 • Build diverse senior leadership teams.
 • Invest in targeted leadership development and executive coaching for women.
 • Amplify women’s voices in meetings and decision-making processes.
 • Use data to track progress and hold leadership accountable for gender equity goals.