Understanding the Mentorship and Networking Gap for Women Professionals

Susan Seto previews insights from our report with Monday Girl, emphasizing the need for mentorship and networking to create spaces where women feel accepted and a sense of belonging.

What is the state of networking for women professionals?

Susan Seto, Senior Vice President of Market Strategy and Workplace Culture Lead recently shared insights from the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mentorship and Networking Report to set the thematic tone for the Monday Girl Toronto Summit, an event welcoming over 450 women professionals across industries with a focus on career development, mentorship, and networking.

We were excited when Monday Girl approached us to collaborate on this study as we see that women’s different lived experiences with work and along their career journeys are a very important area that our team has been exploring with our own insights around workplace culture – and thriving at work.

These are challenging times. A lot is happening around the world. We see diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives being dialed back. Hybrid and remote working – while providing flexibility – also means less connection and exposure to learning and mentorship, both of which are especially important for those early in their career.

All these issues impact how women can show up and thrive in the current work environment.

So, what do women need?

Monday Girl Toronto Summit

Opening Remarks by Susan Seto

There’s a strong need for belonging

Our research shows acceptance and belonging are critical components of thriving at work. This is even more so for women, particularly among early and mid-career: 70% these women identified the desire for, and experience of a workplace that allows them to feel safe being their authentic selves, accept one another, and to feel like they belong – they want to be seen, understood, included, and represented.

Women are also seeking safe spaces and communities for support.

Half of the women surveyed are worried about the scaling back of DEI initiatives in their organizations and the impact it will have on their career progression. Similar proportions are actively looking for safe spaces to feel supported in the workplace.

Canadian women professionals want a psychologically safe work environment that provides that sense of community and guidance.

But there’s a gap

85% see mentorship and networking as being important for career growth, but networking opportunities and events geared to women are lacking:

68% say there’s not enough

83% are looking for more

There’s a clear need for acceptance, belonging and connection for women’s personal growth, career development, and their ability to thrive at work – whether inside or outside of our workplaces.

And while it’s imperative for organizations to foster a culture that provides this for women, we have power to create this for ourselves.

Learn more about our partnership with Monday Girl

Image Credit: Photographers @kaliyevgeniia and @claudiaemmaphotography

Woman on laptop for cover of Monday girl report

The 2025 Canadian Women’s Mentorship & Networking Report

This report by Monday Girl and Environics Research sheds light on the current state of mentorship and “The Networking Gap” and how a supportive network can level up your career.

Download Report