What systemic barriers prevent women from reaching top leadership roles globally?

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Systemic Barriers Hinder Women's Ascent to Global Leadership Roles

Globally, women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions, making up only 28.1 per cent of leaders despite constituting 41.2 per cent of the workforce. This disparity is particularly acute in high-growth and high-influence sectors, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), where women comprise nearly a third of graduates but a mere 14 per cent of leaders. Recent data indicates a concerning trend of regression in leadership parity, with the share of women appointed to new senior leadership roles declining for three consecutive years. This phenomenon, often referred to as a "drop-to-the-top," is attributed to systemic barriers rather than a lack of capability among women.
Declining Representation in Senior Appointments and Board Positions

The trend of women's underrepresentation in leadership is evident in both senior leadership appointments and board positions. The proportion of women in new senior leadership roles peaked in 2022 at 34.8 per cent but has since decreased, falling to 32.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. Similarly, board appointments have seen a decline, dropping from 17.2 per cent in 2020 to 14.2 per cent in 2024. These statistics highlight a persistent challenge in achieving gender balance at the highest levels of corporate and organizational structures.
Disproportionate Impact of Tight Labour Markets

Evidence suggests that when labour markets become more competitive, the hiring of women into leadership positions declines disproportionately. This effect is more pronounced in industries where women are already a minority. While the precise reasons for this imbalance are not detailed, it points to underlying systemic issues that are exacerbated during periods of economic uncertainty or increased competition for talent. This trend underscores the fragility of progress made in gender diversity.
The Long Road to Parity

At the current pace of progress, closing the global gender gap is projected to take 123 years, with the economic gender gap requiring 135 years and the political empowerment gap an estimated 162 years. This slow advancement signifies the deep-rooted nature of the barriers preventing women from reaching top leadership roles. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial, not only for reasons of fairness but also as an economic and strategic necessity for organisations and economies worldwide.

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What systemic barriers prevent women from reaching top leadership roles globally?

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