Parity Definition: (noun) the quality or state of being equal
Gender parity in leadership begins with balanced representation of women and men—but true inclusion goes beyond the numbers. It’s about fostering a leadership culture where all individuals have equal opportunities to rise, lead, and shape the future of their organizations.
A corporate culture that ensures everyone including women—across races, cultures, backgrounds, and identities—have equal access to opportunities to lead, grow, and thrive.
An environment where all leaders feel supported, valued, and empowered to stay and grow—especially women, who often face additional barriers to advancement. By meeting the diverse needs of individuals, companies create the conditions for women and all talent to thrive in leadership
When companies continuously work to minimize unconscious bias.
Parity grows from strong mentorship and sponsorship programs for all employees.
Paradigm for Parity® helps businesses create more inclusive workplaces by accelerating progress toward gender parity and expanding opportunity for all. The coalition supports women of all races, cultures, and backgrounds in rising to leadership, while also providing member companies with access to proven strategies, thought leadership, exclusive offerings through our Center for Action, and ready-to-use tools to drive lasting cultural change
Make inclusive leadership—a core part of your workplace strategy. Take an honest look at where gaps in opportunity and advancement exist, and take meaningful steps to close them for all talent.
Regular unconscious bias training can help managers and leaders value inclusion and belonging because inclusive cultures lead to better corporate performance.
Create a safe space for all allies by providing opportunities and tools for open dialog about inequality and discrimination in the workplace.
Examine employee benefits packages and talent retention strategies. Find ways to add value for women, address pay gaps, and build pathways for growth.
Reward qualified, high-performing women with leadership roles, then support them in those positions. Provide equal opportunities for women to develop leadership skills, ensuring that they have what they need to succeed in senior operational roles and the C-Suite.
Sponsorship, even more than mentorship programs, can accelerate career development for women. Invest in mentorship programs and sponsorship programs for women at all career levels.
Reward employees based on their performance, not their presence in the workplace. Where able, find ways to work more flexibly to meet the needs of all employees.
Set aspirational goals to close the gender gap, and then provide regular, transparent communication on your progress.
Paradigm for Parity offers key resources to advance women in the workplace, including:
A signature leadership development course for women designed to fast-track women into senior operating roles that eventually lead to the C-Suite. Participants gain access to executive coaching, mentorship / sponsorship, and leadership skills. The program is open to all.
A resource hub connecting members to a powerful consortium of partners, who are among the very best experts and service providers to transform corporate ecosystems.
DEI toolkits and guides provide “how to” direction for executives and leaders to address gender equity and racism in the workplace. Provide opportunities for employees to engage in directed conversations in small groups, and participate in a panel discussion series.
A guide for senior leaders and managers to improve retention. Use to host conversations with key talent to increase talent retention and development.
In this future leaders development program, women can learn leadership skills, build relationships, and increase opportunities for sponsorship, a critical complement to mentorship.