Championing Change: Women’s Influence in Coaching Practices
In the constantly evolving field of coaching, women are taking center stage, driving transformation, and shaping the future of leadership. According to the 2022 survey by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), women constitute a significant majority of coach practitioners, with 71.7% identifying as female. This trend reflects a progressive shift towards greater gender diversity within the coaching profession.
At CDI-Africa Coaching Group, a leading regional organization specializing in practical and transformational leadership development programs, this trend is embraced and amplified. With a focus on integrating world-class leadership principles with emerging coaching philosophies, CDI-Africa empowers leaders and organizations across Africa.
Notably, the female share of coach practitioners has been steadily increasing over the years, rising from 67% in 2015 to 72% in 2022. This growth is particularly pronounced in the Middle East and Africa, where the percentage of female coach practitioners surged from 66% in 2019 to 72% in 2022.
Research from the Harvard Business Review suggests that female coaches are more likely to use transformational coaching techniques, which have been linked to improved performance and job satisfaction. Additionally, a study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership found that organizations with more female coaches reported higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.
Despite this progress, gender disparities persist in certain aspects of coaching practice. Male coaches are more likely to have executives as their primary clients, while female coaches often serve personal clients. Additionally, there is variation in the female share of clients based on factors such as age and client position.
However, an area of concern highlighted by the survey is the gender income gap within the coaching profession. Female coach practitioners reported an average annual income significantly lower than their male counterparts, indicating persistent inequalities that require attention and action.
As CDI-Africa continues to shape the African leadership and coaching narrative, it remains committed to empowering women in coaching. By providing mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network, CDI-Africa aims to elevate the voices and contributions of women in the coaching profession.
The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report highlights a growing demand for coaching and mentoring programs to support women in leadership positions and address gender disparities in the workplace. Additionally, data from the European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC) indicates that women are increasingly entering the coaching profession at all levels, including executive coaching and leadership development.
In conclusion, the statistics from the ICF coaching study underscore the pivotal role of women in coaching and the importance of fostering gender equality within the profession. Through collaborative efforts and inclusive practices, CDI-Africa and other organizations are paving the way for a future where women thrive as leaders and catalysts for positive change.
