Free mentorship program shows that simple initiatives, such as creating spaces for dialogue and experience-sharing, can support professional growth and gender equity

By Pedro Augusto

Engaging in dialogue with women who have faced similar career challenges can be instrumental in decision-making and professional development. Experience-sharing and building a support network are key factors that provide clarity on career progression and expand opportunities in the corporate world. During this Women’s Month, the significance of these connections becomes even more evident, reinforcing the need for initiatives focused on gender equity.

ESG consultant Simone Fernandes experienced this firsthand as a participant in the free mentorship program +Por Elas, an initiative by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (CCBC). “The connection I had with my mentor was a game changer for me. From the beginning, she was open to listening, which allowed us to build a relationship based on trust. In this safe environment, I was able to explore crucial aspects of my professional development. During our last session, I realized how much I had grown and gained clarity about my next steps,” says Fernandes, who works at Handbag Mining Investments.

Despite progress, gender inequality remains a significant challenge in the job market. A study conducted by FIA Business School with over 150,000 employees from 150 major companies found that women make up 43% of the workforce but hold only 38% of leadership positions in Brazil, highlighting their underrepresentation at the top.

Creating spaces for experience-sharing is an effective strategy to change this scenario, explains psychologist Maria José Tonelli, professor at FGV-SP’s School of Business Administration, associate mentor at CEOLab, and mentor for the +Por Elas program. “Having someone who has faced similar challenges and can offer new perspectives makes a huge difference—especially early in one’s career. Many women enter the workforce without access to this kind of support,” she says.

According to Tonelli, one of the program’s main goals is to bridge this gap. “+Por Elas is a space for listening and exchanging experiences, allowing mentees to discuss their insecurities in decision-making and other challenges. We don’t provide answers, but we analyze different paths together, considering potential consequences. For those starting out, this analytical support from someone who truly understands their situation can be extremely helpful. That’s why initiatives like this are so important,” she explains.

The +Por Elas Mentorship Program aims to support women who currently hold or aspire to leadership positions. It is free and is now in its third edition. Since its inception, the program has not been restricted to specific industries. Even so, it has already impacted participants from predominantly male-dominated sectors such as mining and technology. With eight biweekly sessions, mentors and mentees discuss topics like professional growth, networking, and female leadership.

To broaden its reach, the program reserves 20% of its spots for women from partner NGOs. According to CCBC’s Director of Operations and +Por Elas mentor, Cássia Regina Vanícola, “The initial goal was to attract women at the beginning of their careers and bring more diversity to the program. Over time, we noticed that employees from member companies and other women at different career stages were also signing up, which expanded the diversity of participant profiles.”

She emphasizes that for the eight sessions to be productive, a strong connection between mentor and mentee is essential. “We have created a space that fosters both professional development and self-reflection. The opportunity to openly discuss challenges—something that many women don’t find elsewhere—makes this experience invaluable. Our mentors are engaged and well-prepared, and if any issues arise, we can step in to ensure a meaningful experience. We hope that mentees also have a genuine desire for growth, allowing each participant to take the next step in their professional journey,” Vanícola adds.

Registrations for the next edition of the +Por Elas Mentorship Program will be announced soon. Interested women can stay updated through the CCBC website or contact us via email at re************@cc**.br.