Archived information
This content is archived because Status of Women Canada no longer exists. Please visit the Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Archived information is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
Championing and Mentoring
Championing, including mentorship, is an effective tool for supporting a woman’s career development, regardless of the field she has chosen. It is not a passive, one-way form of communication. At its best, it is a two-way relationship, with takeaways that benefit both the person receiving support, as well the person giving it.
What is a champion?
We’ve all heard that having a mentor can be good for your career and the benefits of mentoring are well known. Studies show that mentoring women entrepreneurs allows them to develop at a faster pace and improve business survival rates. In fact, research suggests that 88% of entrepreneurs with mentors survive in business, compared to a 50% failure rate for those without a mentor. Mentoring helps women succeed by giving them the opportunity to learn from an experienced ally in a strictly confidential relationship, free of any conflicts of interest.
Champions take mentoring a step further. In addition to providing advice and support, champions stand up for their mentees and expose them to new opportunities. Champions also sponsor their mentees by advocating for and promoting them in their networks.
As a champion, you'll be guiding someone along the path to success
- Inspire her to take her career or business to new heights.
- Make a real difference in Canada's prosperity and economic development.
- Be fulfilled in ways you never expected by paying it forward.
All of Canada benefits when women succeed
Women are critical to Canada’s economic success. They already represent nearly half our country’s workforce, and are leaders in every aspect of Canadian life. For example, women led businesses help create jobs and growth in communities across our country, contributing an estimated $148 billion to the Canadian economy and employing over 1.5 million Canadians.
Help women achieve more
Despite the gains women have made in the Canadian workforce, they remain under-represented in some fields, such as the skilled professional trades and technical professions. They are also less likely than men to hold positions in senior management and on corporate boards. By being a Champion, you are helping woman reach the highest level of achievement.
- Date modified: