In today's global business landscape, international experience is increasingly crucial for reaching top leadership positions. However, women continue to face unique challenges in accessing global mobility opportunities. In a recent The View From The Top show Desiree Nelson (Warner Bros. Discovery) and Beth Neilson (Benivo) explored the barriers to female global mobility and offered strategies for overcoming them.
The Importance of Global Mobility for Leadership
Recent data suggests that between 30-50% of C-suite executives have international experience. This statistic underscores the critical role that global mobility plays in career advancement. For organizations aiming to increase female representation in leadership, addressing barriers to women's participation in international assignments is essential.
Key Barriers to Female Global Mobility
- Caregiving Responsibilities: By far the most significant barrier, with 75% of survey respondents identifying it as the primary obstacle. This includes caring for children and elderly parents.
- Dual-Career Challenges: Many women in leadership tracks have partners with established careers, making relocation complex.
- Lack of Organizational Support: Some companies may not offer adequate support structures for women considering international assignments.
- Unconscious Bias: Women may be overlooked for international opportunities due to assumptions about their willingness or ability to relocate.
Strategies for Overcoming Barriers
For Organizations:
- Flexible Assignment Options:
- Offer virtual assignments that allow for global exposure without physical relocation.
- Implement commuter assignments for shorter-term projects.
- Comprehensive Support Programs:
- Provide spousal assistance programs to help partners find employment or start businesses in the new location.
- Consider employing the partner within the company when possible.
- Family-Centric Policies:
- Offer support for relocating with children, including education assistance and childcare options.
- Provide elder care support for those with aging parents.
- Data-Driven Approach:
- Track demographics of those going on assignments to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
- Set clear targets for female participation in global mobility programs.
- Cultural Change:
- Challenge assumptions about who is suitable for international assignments.
- Actively encourage women to apply for global opportunities.
For Women Considering Global Mobility:
- Seek Support:
- Don't hesitate to discuss your specific needs with your employer.
- Many companies are willing to provide tailored support.
- Consider Alternative Arrangements:
- Explore options like virtual assignments or shorter-term projects if full relocation is challenging.
- Build a Support Network:
- Connect with other women who have successfully navigated international assignments for advice and mentorship.
- Plan Ahead:
- Start discussions about potential international opportunities early in your career to allow for better long-term planning.
Success Stories
Many women have successfully overcome barriers to global mobility. Fragomen's Julia Onslow-Cole shared her experience of traveling with young children for work in Hong Kong. Key to her success was:
- A supportive employer willing to accommodate her family's needs
- Overcoming initial fears about traveling with children
- Flexibility from her partner, who took a sabbatical to support the move
The Road Ahead
While progress has been made, there's still work to be done to ensure equal access to global mobility opportunities. Organizations must continue to innovate and adapt their policies to support women's participation in international assignments. By doing so, they not only advance gender equality but also benefit from a more diverse and experienced leadership pool.
As the global business landscape evolves, embracing female talent in international roles will be crucial for companies looking to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
You can access the show recording here. Don't forget to submit your nominations for Global Mobility's Top 100 Women Leaders.
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