Day 3 - 12 Days of Christmas
On the third day of Christmas, we give to you a way to inspire gender equality in your workplace. By offering women a specific (and largely funded!) leadership programme, we have created a safe space for exploration and learning.
Did you know that while there are 100 girls born for every 107 boys, women account for less that 25% of all leadership positions globally? Only 5% of FTSE CEO’s are female, yet FTSE companies who have more than 33% female executives, have a net profit margin over ten times greater than those companies with no women at this level!
So, what are you waiting for, unwrap the secret to a fairer and more successful organisation.
Do women need their own leadership programmes?
This is a hotly debated topic that provokes a range of opinions. However, there is certainly something to be said for the effects of more women in leadership positions. In fact, according to a Morgan Stanley report: “More gender diversity, particularly in corporate settings, can translate to increased productivity, greater innovation, better products, better decision-making, and higher employee retention and satisfaction.”
Despite the observed benefits however, company leadership around the world remains unbalanced, with women accounting for less than a quarter of management positions globally! The disparity is even greater when it comes to higher-level management positions.
24/7 Wall St. analysed data compiled by the research group LedBetter and discovered that of the 234 companies that own almost 2,000 of the world’s most recognised consumer brands, only 14 of the companies had a female CEO, while 9 of them had no women at all serving in executive positions or on their boards.
Whilst there is a huge amount of work to do in organisations to achieve equality of outcome and opportunity, supporting leaders who identify as women to feel confident is of the utmost importance.
Some believe that leadership roles should be offered on merit only and gender shouldn’t come into it. This topic won’t be resolved in one day, but it can stimulate food for thought amongst our L&D community.
We are now delighted to see the number of conversations about Women in Leadership increasing, more focused networks, events and learning opportunities being created. For more information watch the webinar below and add your thoughts to the discussion.
