By Leah Goryachkovsky

Embarking on a journey into the world of fashion, one cannot ignore the pivotal role women play within this dynamic industry. At the forefront of this narrative stands ‘Women@DIOR,’ a mentorship and educational program designed to carve out an empowering space for aspiring women eager to make their mark. To better understand the significance of such a program, it is imperative to delve into the dynamics of the fashion landscape, particularly during the inception of this initiative. The Women@Dior program aims to address disparities and inequalities in the fashion industry by providing mentorship, education, and support to aspiring women. Through initiatives focused on self-confidence, leadership, and skill development, the program empowers women to navigate the industry’s challenges and ascend to leadership positions. 

Despite the notable ambition and substantial contributions of women within the fashion industry, a 2018 McKinsey study reveals a stark reality of inequality. While women dominate entry-level positions, their representation dwindles significantly as they ascend the hierarchical ladder. In collaboration with Glamour and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), McKinsey conducted a comprehensive analysis involving 535 professionals in the United States. The findings underscore a glaring gender disparity, wherein less than half of renowned womenswear brands are helmed by female designers, and a mere 14 percent of major brands have women occupying executive roles. This disparity sheds light on the persistent inequalities entrenched within the fashion sector, casting a spotlight on the need for systemic change.

Connecting the insights from the McKinsey study, it becomes evident that the fashion industry grapples with multifaceted challenges hindering gender parity in leadership roles. Despite women’s significant presence at entry-level positions, their representation diminishes drastically at the executive level, as highlighted by the statistic that only 12.5% of Fortune 1000 apparel and retail companies are led by women. This discrepancy is alarming, especially considering the industry’s predominantly female workforce and consumer base.

In light of these challenges, it’s crucial to underscore the significant benefits that female leadership brings to the fashion industry. Despite the existing barriers, research from PwC in 2019 reveals that companies led by women within the apparel sector tend to outperform those led by men. A study examining apparel companies in the Fortune 1000 found that female-led companies are nearly twice as profitable as those with male CEOs. Moreover, a global survey spanning 91 countries discovered that augmenting female leadership by 30% can result in a remarkable 15% increase in profitability. This correlation between female leadership and profitability underscores the immense value that women bring to the table in executive roles.

Building upon the insights from the McKinsey study, it becomes apparent that the root cause of inequality in the fashion industry often lies in a pervasive lack of awareness regarding the need for improvement. The study highlights that many male professionals within the sector either struggle to identify the contributing factors to gender disparity or outright deny its existence. This lack of awareness translates into a concerning norm for work culture, as over 80 percent of survey participants admitted their companies had not implemented concrete initiatives to address gender inequality. Remarkably, against this backdrop, Dior took proactive steps to address this issue even before the study’s findings emerged. In 2017, they launched the Women@DIOR program, signaling a commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within their ranks, setting a noteworthy example for the industry at large.

In 2020, Dior partnered with UNESCO’s Global Education Coalition on World Youth Skills Day in a commitment to expand women’s access to educational resources around the world. In doing so, they became the first couture House to put forth such a concrete initiative.  Dior is centering their company around uplifting women by acknowledging their needs through the disparities that are present in the industry. The initiative to implement a mentorship program shows the thoughtfulness and care put into fostering an inclusive environment- a space for women to feel seen and heard. As quoted by Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not, especially for a generation of young women whose education has been severely affected by the pandemic. By joining the Global Coalition with an initiative that empowers and carries promise for the future, the Dior Couture House is sending a strong message of commitment and confidence, giving young women from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to fulfill their dreams.”

Beyond conventional education, this international mentoring and educational initiative nurtures self-confidence and emboldens participants to chart their career destinies. Within the diverse backgrounds across 58 countries, including France, China, Nigeria, and Brazil, selected mentees undergo comprehensive training from inspiring leaders on themes like gender equality and women’s leadership, fostering a sustainable future. Through exclusive mentor-mentee relationships, carefully matched based on compatibility, the program instills values of self-awareness, autonomy, creativity, inclusion, and sustainability—core principles cherished by the House of Dior and UNESCO. This unique blend of mentorship, education, and values cultivates a dynamic empowerment rooted in sisterhood, cultural curiosity, and ethical accountability, equipping young women to navigate professional landscapes with resilience and purpose.

Participants emerge from the program not only equipped with newfound knowledge but also inspired to enact tangible change. Armed with the principles of self-care, autonomy, and creativity, they embark on projects like the “Dream for Change,” amplifying the program’s impact beyond its confines. By championing the empowerment of young girls, these projects generate the ripple effect of Women@Dior, creating a wave of positive transformation that extends far beyond individual careers. Through their endeavors, mentees embody the program’s ethos, fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility in communities worldwide. Women@Dior transcends mere mentorship; it symbolizes a global movement towards a future where every woman is empowered to pursue her dreams and effect meaningful change in the world.

Please come check out our event on March 6th from 6-8pm in room 330 in Uris Hall to learn more about Christian Dior and hear from some of the incredible women who work there!