The Global State of Women's Leadership

International Women’s Day (March 8, 2022) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Whilst gender stereotypes are being challenged and diverse representation of women is more evident, there is a continuing need for more progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviors worldwide.

In 2022, the theme of International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. There are many examples of gender bias, both conscious and unconscious – and each impacts women in different ways, including in the workplace and leadership roles. We want to celebrate the many achievements of women leaders, acknowledging hard-won gains over many decades, whilst keeping in focus the need to accelerate progress into the future.

Gender balance is not solely a women’s issue, but also an economic issue. Our 2022 analysis of the global state of play for Women Leaders offers an opportunity to see the big picture and challenge the status quo as we look across gender diversity benchmarks in different impact industries across the globe. COVID-19 continues to have a disproportionate impact on women, for example, whether through job losses, caring responsibilities or discrimination in the workplace.

The chart below highlights the challenge and opportunity ahead, highlighting how significant women’s leadership is on the ‘frontlines’ of education and healthcare, and yet slow to change in leading countries, institutions and firms that are re-shaping society. It is our collective responsibility to take diversity in all of its forms much more seriously and urgently to ensure countries and industries everywhere realize the benefits of diverse leadership.

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