Many looking for better networking opportunities
Given the pushback diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, 51 per cent of Canadian women say they are worried about major companies scaling back DEI initiatives, fearing the negative impact on their career development and progression.
And nearly half (47 per cent) are actively seeking safe spaces where they can feel supported in the workplace, finds a survey.
Overall, 83 per cent of Canadian women feel there is a need for more networking opportunities specifically designed for women, reports career networking platform Monday Girl.
Employer-led networking, when done right, can be a powerful tool to recruit women, according to researchers from McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management.
Why do women struggle with networking?
Currently, women feel they are not getting the most out of networking events, according to Monday Girl’s survey of 1,058 Canadian women – working in professional services sectors – conducted Feb. 26 to March 10, 2025.
Over two-thirds (67 per cent) find traditional networking events awkward and uncomfortable, and 60 per cent don’t believe these events help build strong industry connections.
And 68 per cent say that there are not enough networking opportunities specifically designed for women professionals.
Despite that, women see the value of networking in their career advancement: 86 per cent consider it important for professional growth and 79 per cent say it has a big role in securing a new job.
“Without more inclusive and effective networking spaces, women may struggle to build the relationships necessary for career growth, ultimately limiting their professional potential and representation in leadership roles,” says Monday Girl.
Mentorships needed for Canadian women
This challenge is compounded by a lack of mentorship opportunities for women, finds the survey.
While 85 per cent of Canadian professional women view mentorship as vital to career advancement, only 15 per cent currently have a mentor, and just 19 per cent are actively searching for one.
“As a female CMO in tech, I know firsthand the friction and barriers that slow upward mobility and social progression in professional spaces,” says Jen Jones, chief marketing officer, commercetools,on LinkedIn.
“This is why it’s important to me to actively seek opportunities that lift other women up, rather than contribute to further divisions.”
Women with disabilities also face a disproportionate challenge in the workplace when it comes to employer support, according to a previous Statistics Canada (StatCan) report.
