By Rhianna Nathwani, Education and Training Pharmacist at RPS
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, held annually on 8th March, is ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ This month RPS is celebrating International Women’s Day by encouraging women to engage in mentoring.
Mentoring is a powerful tool offered to all members of RPS. Through our structured mentoring platform, we invite and connect experienced individuals (mentors) to provide guidance, support and knowledge to a less experienced individual (mentees).
The pharmacy profession is rapidly growing with the provision of new services. Over 60% of pharmacists are women and need mentors to support them through these changes, especially after a break in practice, for example, maternity leave.
Promoting mentorship opportunities for women cultivates a culture of support and empowerment, where women are encouraged to thrive and excel in their career. By championing female mentorship, we not only elevate individual women but also contribute to the collective advancement of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
Many of us hold self-limiting beliefs. We may believe that we are not as capable or driven as our counterparts, or that we won’t be as accepted as our male counterparts. Mentoring can help squash such self-limiting beliefs and can guide individuals to break through their self-built glass ceilings.
As a female mentor, you can give back to the profession. You can encourage a female mentee to develop their self-belief and confidence and provide support and guidance having already walked the path to which the mentee aspires. At the same time, whilst it’s expected that the mentee will learn from the mentor, the power of mentoring is that the mentor will also naturally learn from the mentee.
Whilst we celebrate International Women’s Day by encouraging women to step forward as mentors and mentees, it’s also important to say mentoring provides great benefits for all, regardless of gender. Mentoring helps both people involved to develop professionally and personally in multiple competencies.
Taking part in mentoring is important to empower women to excel in their career. What better way to inspire inclusion than to step forward as a mentor or a mentee?
To get involved in mentoring, please visit our mentoring platform on the RPS website today and sign up.
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