The ArbitralWomen Mentorship Programme seeks to support the members of ArbitralWomen in developing their dispute resolution skills and practices. It provides them with the opportunity of exchanging experiences, by matching members with more expertise in dispute resolution, or mentors, with other members that are less experienced, yet aspiring practitioners, or mentees. 

ArbitralWomen is an international non-governmental organisation that celebrated its 25th Jubilee in 2018. The purposes of the organisation include advancing the interests of female practitioners and promote women and diversity in international dispute resolution, raising awareness for their role in this field, establishing and maintaining an international network, and fostering communication and exchanges between their members. 

The ArbitralWomen Mentorship Programme helps to expand the pool of talents of potential female general counsel, arbitrators, mediators, experts and lawyers in private practice. Mentees can benefit in various ways from participating in the programme, for example by seeking and receiving advice and guidance, which is important for progressing their career in international dispute resolution, by broadening their knowledge and gaining new skills, as well as by making connections with female leaders in the field. 

Mentors who participate in the programme can help in developing the next generation of female leaders in their field, as well as in improving gender diversity in the future leadership of law firms, corporations and consulting companies. Furthermore, they get to know junior female practitioners, arbitrators, mediators and experts, and can potentially benefit from opportunities for reverse mentorship. 

Thus, the programme works by linking experienced dispute resolution practitioners with ambitious and talented professionals who seek to benefit from their advice and experience. As soon as two applicants from the same jurisdiction, sector or professional background have been matched, they set regular meetings as to their own convenience during the time period of one year. These meetings are confidential and the relationship and scope depends primarily on the needs and interests of the mentee. 

When the mentoring partnership comes to an end, programme evaluations are completed by both the mentor and the mentee, helping to improve the programme and increase its effectiveness. 

For more information about ArbitralWomen and to apply for the Mentorship Programme, visit their website.