64% of black ladies in management are overqualified

Among black women who occupy leadership positions, 64% are highly qualified for the position, having specializations and an MBA, according to a survey promoted by HRtech 99jobs. In parallel, 58% of them claim to be isolated – that is, without gender and race peers – in the command positions of the companies in which they operate, reinforcing inequality in the c-level market.

Furthermore, 70% of the black women interviewed have white men as their bosses, although half of them (50%) assume that they feel more comfortable working alongside other female leaders.

The data also reveal that, for 95% of the professionals interviewed, representation in leadership positions is a differential to inspire other women. In this regard, the executives interviewed also believe that their presence at the top of companies will open doors for other black people who aspire to reach that position.

According to 99jobs, the survey results show that one of the ways to combat inequality in corporations involves the commitment of leaders to fill vacancies at all hierarchical levels with black professionals. “The strong commitment to increasing diversity and having companies that represent Brazilians has made us create tools that help companies hire more diverse people, whether the vacancies are affirmative or not”, explains CEO Eduardo Migliano.

Another initiative that aims to increase the presence of black women in leadership is Conselheira 101, a program founded by C-Level executives with the objective of training and encouraging the presence of these professionals in command chairs. Through mentoring, networking and training, the group encourages diversity in the national market.

For Vânia Neves, one of the women who participated in the program and who took a seat on the Carrefour Group’s board, the initiative was a union of women that changed the course of her career. “Conselheira101 was a watershed for my preparation as a counselor”, she emphasizes. “Being in C101 with other black executives was a source of pride, due to the importance of our representation. Receiving content and guidance from experienced directors gave me the confidence to continue preparing myself until I reached the chair of the board of directors”, she concludes.

Source: They who profit