We need to take two steps back before we even get to the door
I am currently seeking scholarships to invest in my personal growth. Unfortunately, scholarships for women North of 35, specifically those like myself from the Global South living in the EU, are somewhere in the Arctic circle under pack ice. I endure “sans Sherpa”. Where is my Tenzing Norgay? What is a woman to do? Access to financial assistance for women starting businesses or pursuing higher education is already limited, and the availability of such support diminishes as the years go by. One has only so many bootstraps till there are none left. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell were right Ain’t No Mountain High Enough 🎶
The age limit for scholarships is often restricted to 35, posing a significant challenge. The 30s are a critical period for women as they make decisions about family planning and personal development. I chose children. In this age where retirement is being pushed back, and mid-career education and transitions are becoming more common, the struggle for educational financial support is real.
I have faced critical decisions in pursuing my own education, delaying it to support my spouse's studies while juggling full-time work and venturing into “The ‘Hood” viz. Motherhood. Despite these challenges, I managed to complete a part-time master's degree, 3 start ups in South Africa #WESGRO and found creative ways to incorporate case law about Piracy and Force Majeure into bedtime stories for my little people who were fighting bedtime. They are now a tween and teen so the jury is still out if that was OK parenting.
In all seriousness there is another funding gap for women seeking advanced degrees to advance their careers. The window of opportunity for scholarships often closes by the time women are able to return to education after focusing on raising their children, impacting the chances of progression towards the summit in their careers.
As the workforce evolves with postponed retirements and career shifts, obtaining scholarships for further education becomes increasingly important. However, the diminishing availability of scholarships for mid-career women pursuing advanced degrees raises concerns about the representation of female leaders in executive roles globally. We reap what we sew!
Addressing these gaps in scholarship opportunities is crucial, particularly for women from diverse backgrounds who are at stages in their careers where they can contribute significantly to senior roles. Promoting inclusivity and supporting educational endeavors for all individuals will lead to a more equitable and prosperous future workforce.
Lack of diversity, especially of women, in sectors traditionally dominated by men could hinder progress in industries that are evolving rapidly in the new global landscape but are under represented in terms of diversity. It is critical to sow the seeds of a modern approach to business and leadership to ensure a successful transition into the future.
“We need the keys that unlock those doors. And once those women are there, don’t just be happy and feel so lucky that you’re the only woman sitting at the table. Get three men to get up.”
Zoe Saldana is in France for the Cannes Film Festival and she has thoughts on how women are going to make major moves in the film industry and beyond. She shares that it’s time for women to make room for more women to hold positions of influence and power. And isn’t this the truth?
If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, right? Of course we need men working alongside us to reach real equality, but when women make it to those big roles, they must leave space to focus on getting more women in the room. Celebrate your wins, and make sure you’re actively elevating other women along with you! 👏
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5moOh wow, that's such a great point