By Francesca Colombo, Manager at Excellence Education

In recent years, the topic of female empowerment has gained increasing importance, supported by social and corporate initiatives and government policies. One of the key strategies to promote empowerment and enhance female talent is the identification and promotion of female Role Models. These figures not only inspire new generations, but also help trigger change in socio-cultural environments that often limit opportunities for women.

Female role models are often better positioned to influence organizational and social practices that impede gender equality and can work to break down systemic barriers, such as pay inequality, workplace discrimination and lack of representation in leadership roles. By therefore promoting structural changes, they contribute to creating a more equal and inclusive environment for all women.

Who is a Role Model?

A Role Model is a person who, through their behavior, attitude and experience, becomes a positive example for others. In the context of women’s empowerment, a Role Model is often a woman who has overcome significant obstacles, achieved her goals in traditionally male-dominated fields, or who has contributed significantly to the community.

The motto “empowered women empower women” is well representative of the role of Role Models, which contains a powerful truth about the dynamics of female empowerment. This phrase summarizes the idea that women who achieve positions of independence have the potential and responsibility to help other women do the same. Let’s analyze in more detail the different aspects and implications of this motto.

Creation of a Virtuous Cycle

When a woman reaches a certain level of empowerment, she gains not only skills and knowledge, but also greater self-esteem and a position from which she can influence others. This “empowerment” does not end in itself; can be passed on, creating a virtuous cycle in which women support each other to achieve their goals. Women who have been involved in this circle can in turn become role models, mentors and supporters for other women, multiplying the positive impact.

The Power of Role Models

The motto also implies a responsibility: women who have achieved a certain degree of empowerment should not forget those who are still along the way. Women’s empowerment should not be seen as an individual achievement, but as a collective movement, which is why they play a crucial role in various ways:

1- Piration and Motivation: Stories of women who have achieved their goals can inspire other women to pursue their dreams and ambitions. Positive representation helps strengthen self-confidence and make people believe that success, in any form, is possible.
2 – Mentorship and Support: Role Models can act as mentors, offering practical advice and emotional support. This may include guidance on how to navigate professional challenges, balancing personal life and career, and building a professional network.
3 – Breaking Stereotypes: The visibility of successful women in various fields helps challenge and change gender stereotypes. By demonstrating that women can excel in any industry, Role Models help create a more inclusive and equal environment.
4 – Promotion of Equal Opportunity: Role Models often use their influence to promote policies and practices that advance gender equality. This can include pushing for more equitable parental leave, corporate mentorship programs, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

And precisely for mentorship and training support programs, there are numerous studies and empirical data that demonstrate the importance of the presence of Role Models in female empowerment paths. Here are some key examples:

• A mentorship program developed by Valore D, a business association that promotes diversity and inclusion in Italy, showed that women who participate in mentorship programs with female role models show significant improvements in their leadership skills and self-confidence. This program had a positive impact not only on the participants, but also on company policies in terms of gender equality.
  • A Harvard Mentorship initiative showed that women who participate in mentorship programs with female role models show significant improvements in their leadership skills, self-confidence, and propensity to take on leadership roles.
  • The University of Turin conducted a study on mentorship dynamics in engineering and science faculties. The results showed that female students mentored by female faculty were more likely to complete their studies and pursue careers in the industry than those without female mentors.
  • In Italy, the “Inspiring Girls” initiative focused on promoting female role models in high schools. A 2021 report found that girls who attended professional role model sessions showed a significant increase in self-esteem and career aspirations. These sessions helped demystify career paths and make career opportunities more tangible for young women.

These Italian examples clearly demonstrate that female role models play a crucial role in mentorship programs, positively influencing women’s aspirations, self-confidence and career paths.

“Empowered women empower women” is much more than just a motto; it is a call to action and a recognition of the transformative power of female solidarity. When women support each other, the positive impact spreads across communities and generations, helping to build a more just and equal society. This motto reminds us that empowerment is an ongoing and collaborative process, where every woman has the potential to make a significant difference in another woman’s life.