International Women’s Day is a poignant moment to celebrate the achievements and progress of women worldwide. This year, the theme of International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion.
In the nonprofit sector, women play a pivotal role as leaders, managers, and vital contributors to the workforce. As we commemorate this day, it is essential to recognize the challenges women in nonprofits face, while also celebrating their successes and advocating for further empowerment and gender equity and equality.
Nonprofit Leadership: Breaking the Glass and Concrete Ceilings
In the sphere of nonprofit leadership, women have made significant strides, yet challenges persist. While women comprise a majority of the workforce (75 percent) in sectors that most nonprofits encompass, leadership positions remain largely occupied by men. According to research from the American Association of University Women with data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women represent only a fraction of executive leadership roles in nonprofits, highlighting a persistent gender gap at the top.
The “glass ceiling”—defined by Investopedia as “a colloquial term for the social barrier preventing women from being promoted to top jobs in management”—is even more difficult to break for woman of color, especially Black women. As the Aspen Institute reports:
“Women of color have made impressive strides towards higher levels of education and success. Today, Black women surpass any other group in both race and gender in college enrollment. It’s clear women of color want to work and want to succeed, but they are more likely than any group in America to work for poverty-level wages. This is due to multiple factors, including unconscious bias, the confidence gap, and lack of opportunity, all acting as part of the ‘concrete ceiling.’”
From grassroots organizations to global NGOs, women and their leadership are driving change, advocating for social justice, and championing causes that uplift communities worldwide. Their leadership often fosters inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration—essential qualities in addressing complex societal issues.
Nonprofit Management Development: Investing in Women’s Growth
Nonprofit management development programs provide opportunities for women to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks, and access mentorship and support systems. By creating equitable opportunities for advancement and eliminating gender biases, nonprofits can harness the collective talents and perspectives of their workforce to drive meaningful change, while cultivating a pipeline of talented leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
Nonprofit Workforce: Championing Gender Equality
There have been many commitments to advancing social good and addressing pressing societal issues in the nonprofit workforce. Still, gender disparities persist within the nonprofit sector, with women often facing barriers to career advancement, unequal pay, and (as mentioned above) limited access to leadership opportunities. Addressing these disparities requires targeted efforts to promote gender equality, advocate for policies that support work-life balance, and create inclusive work environments that value and empower women. By fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging (DEIB), nonprofit organizations can create environments where women thrive, excel, and lead with passion and purpose.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and elevating their leadership in nonprofit organizations. By challenging gender norms, advocating for equal opportunities, and investing in women’s leadership development, we can create a more inclusive and equitable nonprofit sector that drives positive social change.
Looking for more resources?
- Check out our blog from International Women’s Day 2023, Five Programs Advancing Women Leaders in Boston and Beyond.
- Learn more about DEIB in our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for Consultants Program.
- Get the latest news about TSNE’s leadership development programs by signing up for our newsletter.