Women thrive in women-only virtual training groups

A new Wharton study challenges the traditional assumption that women advance most by networking with men. Researchers found that women in virtual career training performed significantly better in all-female cohorts compared to those in mixed-gender groups — with completion rates of 76% compared to 67%, certification rates of 15% versus 8%, and post-certification employment at 24% versus just 9%, respectively. The authors concluded that the absence of men in classes created a sense of psychological safety. Without men present, women were more candid about personal struggles, offered mutual encouragement and actively shared job leads and study resources.