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10 years ago only 12.5% of boardroom positions were filled by women. Now, research by the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Kings College London, shows that a government target has been hit earlier than expected with women now making up a third of the boardroom positions of FTSE100 companies.
While this is to be applauded, there is still some way to go in terms of bringing through female talent in senior positions*:
Furthermore, research by the GIWL shows that women’s career progression plateaus in their late 20’s and early 30’s, with women facing stigma for flexible and part-time working. A shortage of quality part-time work is also cited as a key barrier to progression. Evidence suggests that changing attitudes to flexible and part-time work is key. Advertising all jobs as available on a flexi- and part-time basis would show that these roles are the rule, rather than the exception, and offering work-life policies for everyone, not just for parents.
CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: “The job is far from done. We are still seeing too few women as the executive, day-to-day decision makers of our leading companies – whether that’s as CEOs, MDs, or finance directors. Companies must do everything possible to create inclusive cultures and support talented people from all walks of life into these top jobs.”
*Data provided by BT article: ‘Government-backed target for more women in boardrooms reached‘
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