Empowering Women in Leadership: Is It Time to Include Men in the Conversation?
Yesterday I spent the morning with a group of senior women in finance to get their feedback on what they would like to achieve as participants on a Women in Leadership programme that we are developing for them.
These conversations always remind me why designing leadership programmes for women requires real thought and nuance. I’m not interested in ticking boxes. Mojo’s coaching programmes create meaningful opportunities for growth and driving cultural change that lasts.
The Value of Women-Only Leadership Spaces
One of the first questions we ask is whether to create a women-only programme or a mixed one. Both approaches have unique benefits.
What women-only programmes offer
In our discussion, these women were very clear about the value of women-centred spaces. They told me such a programme would allow them to:
Create a safe space for honest discussion
Explore gender-specific challenges without filtering their experiences
Build networks of women at similar stages of their careers for ongoing support
For many, this sense of safety and connection is essential. It creates the conditions where women can challenge themselves, reflect honestly, and grow in confidence.
The Case for Inclusive Leadership Development
At the same time, one of the programme’s broader objectives is to influence culture across organisations. That can’t happen in isolation.
Why men need to be part of the conversation
If men aren’t included, we risk missing the chance to build allyship and to mirror the reality of the workplace. Real inclusion is created when men and women work together towards a shared vision of leadership. Collaborative spaces can:
Model inclusive practices that reflect real-world teams
Encourage men to listen, learn, and act as allies
Build shared responsibility for change rather than placing the burden on women alone
Finding the Balance
The tension between women-only spaces and inclusive programmes is one I discuss regularly with clients. The “right” approach depends on the objectives of the organisation, the context of the industry, and the needs of the women involved.
At Mojo Coaching and Leadership, we strive to offer both:
Dedicated Women in Leadership programmes that provide depth, safety, and growth
Inclusive leadership development that brings men and women together to co-create cultural change.
Shaping the Future of Women in Leadership
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters most is clarity about outcomes. Sometimes women need a space to connect and develop with each other. Sometimes the bigger goal is about shifting organisational culture. Often, it’s both.
As a coach, I believe women in leadership deserve more than just training, they deserve spaces that help them lead authentically and influence the wider systems they are part of.