The role of mentoring in developing women's leadership skills in business

Despite the increasing representation of women in business, there are still significant barriers to women’s development in leadership. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of mentoring on women's leadership development in a business environment, taking into account organizational and social-psychological aspects. Analysis presented in this work utilizes key theories of mentoring and leadership, and critically examines the role of sociocultural influences of mentoring on mitigating gender disparity. Data collected through semi-structured interviews with selected women working in business and management was examined using the interpretive phenomenological analysis to explain the differential impact of mentoring on leadership development. Study findings identified effective mentoring strategies that support women during various career stages and within different professional relationships. The study provides practical recommendations for improving mentoring programs and promoting gender equality in leadership across sectors, based on the identified patterns. Mentoring significantly enhances women's self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills. Notably, formal mentoring has a significant impact early on in their careers, while informal mentoring proves valuable at later stages. Effective mentors combine their expertise with personal qualities such as empathy, sincerity, and optimism, which are essential for cultivating successful mentoring relationships.