Networking pathways essential to increase women’s representation in leadership

There is an increasing recognition of the role of networking in advancing careers. While an individual’s skills and abilities are important determinants of success, the role of professional relationships, mentorship, and opportunities that come with networking can be a catalyst for one’s career.

For women especially, such networks can be a driving force behind their ascension. A recent Time Use Survey by the National Statistics Office revealed that only 25% women participated in employment activities in 2024.

The crucial role of networking in women's career advancement

Networks are platforms for amplifying visibility, creating opportunities, and enabling access to influential mentors and decision-makers across industries. For women in particular, these connections can prove instrumental in helping women break through glass ceilings and establish themselves in leadership positions across industries. According to a study by Chief, 80% of women leaders actively use networking to drive their careers.

There are several examples of networking that provide much-needed support to women in terms of connections, information, and mentorship.  Ayushi Mishra, COO & Co-Founder, DronaMaps Pvt. Ltd. speaks about the credibility that Niti Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) which empowers women to envision and actualise their business aspirations. “WEP recognised our work and that goes a long way in bringing credibility for clients and investors alike, in the Deeptech industry.”

Common barriers women face in networking

Brian Uzzi, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at the Kellogg School of Management, points out, “Women face a greater challenge in networking to find professional opportunities – they, more than men, need to maintain both wide networks and informative inner circles to land the best positions.” Despite its importance, women often encounter significant obstacles in building and leveraging professional networks.

Traditional power structures and male-dominated "old boys' clubs" continue to limit women's access to influential professional circles. These informal networks, often built around traditionally masculine activities or spaces, can feel exclusionary to women trying to build professional relationships.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to visibility and self-promotion. Research has shown that women who actively seek leadership roles and visibility through networking may face penalties that their male counterparts don't experience. This "double bind" often forces women to navigate a delicate balance between being assertive enough to be noticed and maintaining societal expectations of modesty.

These leaders were uncomfortable with purely strategic networking, viewing it as exploitative. However, it must also be noted that they favoured building authentic relationships through genuine collaboration rather than career advancement.

While these barriers manifest across sectors, they also present opportunities to understand underlying issues and address them.

Effective strategies for women to overcome networking challenges

The path to leadership for women is intrinsically linked to their ability to build and maintain strong professional networks. As we aim to increase women’s representation in leadership positions across sectors, individual women and organisations must take active steps to create and utilise networking opportunities.

 The digital revolution has democratised networking opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn have given rise to women-focused communities. StreeLeads, a LinkedIn community is a great example.

Through this platform, senior women leaders across sectors mentor and offer advice to aspiring women leaders. The distinguishing feature of digital networks is that they transcend geographical boundaries and social constraints, offering flexible networking opportunities that accommodate women's often complex schedules. They also allow senior leaders to mentor a large base of women at their own pace.

One crucial strategy is what experts call the "foot in the door" approach. This method emphasises the importance of initiating connections with organisations to learn more about them.  As demonstrated by successful women leaders, once you establish a presence in an organisation or field, additional opportunities often naturally unfold.

Forward-thinking organisations are recognising the value of supporting women's networking initiatives. The Confederation of Indian Industry's Indian Women Network (IWN) exemplifies how industry-wide platforms can facilitate meaningful connections and professional growth for women. Companies that actively promote such networking opportunities are increasingly seen as more inclusive and supportive of women's career advancement.

Women professionals must embrace available networking platforms, both digital and traditional to create quality connections based on mutual interests and seek mentors and peer support. Genuine connections with other women have the power to create lasting relationships necessary for the right opportunities, advice, and even personal support.

Organisations can also benefit from encouraging women to network. Creating and supporting structured networking programs fosters an inclusive culture. Further recognising the value of women's networking efforts as legitimate professional development activities builds a strong leadership pipeline.

The leadership journey is rarely a solo endeavour. Through strategic networking, women can build connections, support systems, and opportunities to break barriers and realise their potential. Women are significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions; networking is essential to help bridge this gap and create pathways for future generations of women leaders who can bring about more equitable changes to society.

(Naghma Mulla is CEO, EdelGive Foundation)

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)