Executives must prioritize listening to women in tech, commit to measurable actions, and amplify women's voices in leadership. They should invest in mentorship, educate on bias, allocate resources for structural change, foster inclusive cultures, partner externally, address intersectionality, and lead with personal accountability for genuine advocacy.
What Strategies Help Executives Avoid Performative Allyship When Advocating for Women in Tech?
AdminExecutives must prioritize listening to women in tech, commit to measurable actions, and amplify women's voices in leadership. They should invest in mentorship, educate on bias, allocate resources for structural change, foster inclusive cultures, partner externally, address intersectionality, and lead with personal accountability for genuine advocacy.
Empowered by Artificial Intelligence and the women in tech community.
Like this article?
Executive Messaging on Women in Tech
Interested in sharing your knowledge ?
Learn more about how to contribute.
Sponsor this category.
Prioritize Listening Over Speaking
Executives should focus on actively listening to women in tech to understand their experiences and challenges rather than dominating conversations. Genuine advocacy starts with empathy and the willingness to learn from those directly affected, ensuring initiatives address real needs.
Commit to Measurable Actions and Accountability
Instead of symbolic gestures, executives must establish clear goals with measurable outcomes to promote gender equity. Regularly publishing progress reports and holding themselves accountable demonstrates authentic commitment beyond performative allyship.
Amplify Womens Voices in Decision-Making
Including women in leadership roles and key decision-making processes ensures their perspectives shape company policies. Executives should advocate for equitable representation rather than speaking on behalf of women without involving them directly.
Invest in Sponsorship and Mentorship Programs
Backing sustained mentorship and sponsorship programs can help women advance in their careers. Executives who actively support these initiatives show a commitment to long-term change rather than just surface-level support.
Educate Themselves and Their Teams on Bias and Inclusion
Continuous learning about unconscious bias, systemic barriers, and inclusive leadership equips executives to advocate effectively. Leading educational efforts internally demonstrates sincerity and promotes cultural shifts within the organization.
Allocate Resources to Structural Changes
Performative allyship often lacks financial or organizational backing. Executives must dedicate budgets and resources to initiatives that support women’s growth, such as training, flexible work policies, and inclusive hiring practices.
Foster an Inclusive Culture Beyond Public Statements
True allyship is embedded in day-to-day company culture. Executives should model inclusive behaviors and hold teams accountable for creating environments where women feel valued and empowered, rather than relying on public declarations alone.
Partner with External Women-in-Tech Organizations
Collaborating with established organizations provides expertise and credibility. These partnerships can amplify impact and help avoid the pitfalls of superficial advocacy by grounding efforts in proven frameworks.
Recognize and Address Intersectionality
Understanding that women in tech face diverse and layered challenges based on race, ethnicity, disability, and more allows executives to advocate more holistically. Avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches shows depth and avoids tokenism.
Lead by Example Through Personal Accountability
Executives should reflect on their own privileges and biases, share their learning journeys openly, and demonstrate vulnerability. Being transparent about growth challenges fosters trust and distinguishes genuine advocacy from performative acts.
What else to take into account
This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?