Navigating networking: How Canadian women are handling industry barriers

How Canadian Women Are Handling Indstry Barriers

Navigating networking: How Canadian women are handling industry barriers.

Abstract

Traditional networking opportunities have proven to be ineffective for Canadian women. While most professionals want to connect with industry peers, traditional networking events have not offered them the opportunities to form relationships and create support systems.

Research Topics:: Research Employment | Research Leadership
Industry/Market Focus:: Employees | Executives/Management | Research Industry
Content Type: Research Careers

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Traditional networking challenges

New research from Monday Girl, in partnership with Environics Research, reveals a clear networking gap for Canadian women professionals. Despite the growing importance of professional networking in today’s competitive job market – where AI and automation are reshaping industries – the report highlights that women continue to face barriers in accessing effective networking opportunities. Sixty-seven percent of women working professionals find traditional networking events awkward and uncomfortable, and most (60%) don’t think they help build strong industry connections.

The 2025 Canadian Women’s Mentorship and Networking Report highlights the following three trends.

Workplace barriers and safe spaces

Over half (51%) of Canadian professional women are worried about major companies scaling back DEI initiatives, fearing the negative effects on their career development and progression. Additionally, the overwhelming majority (83%) express the need for more networking opportunities specifically designed for women, while nearly half (47%) are actively seeking safe spaces where they can feel supported in the workplace.

These findings highlight the ongoing challenges women face in accessing meaningful career growth opportunities and supportive work environments. Without dedicated efforts to maintain DEI initiatives, women may encounter greater barriers to advancement, limiting diversity in the workforce.

The networking gap: Women want inclusive, effective networking opportunities

Most Canadian professional women don’t find traditional networking events beneficial, yet networking remains essential for career advancement, with 86% of women considering it important for professional growth and 79% emphasizing its role in securing a new job.

Despite this, 68% agree that there are not enough networking opportunities specifically designed for women professionals. Without more inclusive and effective networking spaces, women may struggle to build the relationships necessary for career growth, limiting their professional potential and representation in leadership roles.

Mentorship and career support

Eighty-five percent of Canadian professional women view mentorship as vital to career advancement. Despite this strong demand, only 15% currently have a mentor and only 19% are actively searching for one.

These findings highlight a significant gap in mentorship for women professionals, as limited access to mentorship opportunities may hinder their ability to gain essential guidance which restricts their career growth and advancement.

Methodology

The 2025 Canadian Women’s Mentorship and Networking Report is based on an online survey conducted by Environics Research between February 26-March 10, 2025, with 1,058 Canadian women.