Everything you need to know about the Fabian Women’s Network Mentoring Programme

By Christine Megson, one of the founders and co-ordinators of the Fabian Women’s Network mentoring Programme and a Vice-President of the Fabian Society

I know 250 women on a journey seeking to have influence and positive impact on others’ lives. These women are all from different sectors— such as artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, fashion, farming, and local government. They are also widely varying in age (22-62) and ethnic origin. 

Alongside shared values, what they have in common is a desire to increase their confidence, to learn to speak and write so their voices can be heard, to understand how to be visible and ultimately to be more successful in politics and public life— not for their own glory but to support others to have better lives. Last year, Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour Party politician for Erith and Thamesmead) became the first of our mentees to become an MP.

As one of the co-founders of the Fabian Women’s Network mentoring programme, this is exactly what we want to achieve- hearing more women’s voices at every layer of government, in the Board room of charities and companies, and listening to more women speaking in the media on TV, radio, and in print. We want female decision makers and influencers reflecting the makeup of the world we live in.

But many women are held back or hold themselves back by negative voices in their lives or in their own head. They have been told they are not good enough, that’s not what girls or women do, or they tell themselves they can’t do something and they do not always receive the encouragement they need. Some don’t have the networks, contacts or the navigating tools. And they habitually see more men in positions of influence.

So we use a crucible- to good effect. We select annual cohorts of 28 women ensuring we have the age range, the background range, the variety of experience and skills. At the start of the 10 month programme the women suffer from a dose of imposter syndrome- thinking why have I been chosen, everyone else is better. We put into the programme mix individual mentors matched as closely as we can to what the women want to achieve and a whole series of different education and training activities.

We need mentors at different stages of our lives. Crossroads and choices continue and may be more challenging as we get older. The women themselves act as peer mentors and supporters, role models and cheerleaders. We encourage skill sharing and celebration of achievement, and we offer each other opportunities. It’s about illustrating to women that the space at the Shadow Cabinet table or in boardroom belongs to them. Voice coaching is also valuable— so they know how to breathe, to use their voices, how to stand in different circumstances and how to use the space they are in.  

Public speaking and debating are critical to learning how to express your views and understand others’ viewpoints especially if you’re in the media or on the doorstep campaigning. We run sessions on how to network and be seen: understanding that asking a question at a conference can single you out. But to get selected to ask the question you need to wear the clothes that allow the chair to see you and for the conference crowd and journalists to approach you afterwards.

If you know how to network, meet journalists and how to pitch and write an article, then your voice is heard and your influence spreads. If you know how to put your viewpoint across and you’re asked to appear on TV or radio –and you do it well, then your reach is massive.

Critically these women form a network so 250 powerful women can reach out to others who share their values and get support in their chosen route- as a councillor, as a Trustee or working for promotion and tackling conflict in the office. 

We have testimonials that say it all: “I can’t express how powerful this group has been for me. To be surrounded by passionate, articulate, political women, and to have them encourage you to continue pushing has been amazing. I feel empowered to pursue my dreams in public life, and know that I have a solid support network.”

It would be powerful too if some of you readers here would encourage women to take that step they are hesitating over. To tap them on the shoulder and say go for it or help them connect with new networks and encourage them to speak out. If you are the one that is less confident, shut out that nagging voice in your head and ask someone you admire to give you a mentoring session or two. The right words can change lives.

To find out more visit fabianwomen.org.uk