Business · Companies · 16 hrs ago
Women hold 30.5% of management jobs worldwide, ILO finds
The International Labour Organization found women held 30.5% of management jobs worldwide in 2025.
The figure has risen from 24.5% in 2000, but women still hold fewer than one in three management roles.
Women’s representation has also grown in top company roles: women chaired 30.9% of company boards in 2025, up from 13.1% in 2013.
The share of companies led by women increased from 23.4% to 28.2% over the same period.
Many companies have equality policies, but fewer are acting on them: 74.8% said they had a policy or similar measure in 2025, while the share carrying out initiatives fell to 26.5%, from 37.4% in 2018.
The findings are based on a survey of 11,957 companies in 99 countries, and show a gap between companies’ commitments and their implementation.
Women hold 30.5% of management jobs worldwide, according to an International Labour Organization report.
The figure has risen from 24.5% in 2000, but women remain underrepresented in management overall.
The share of company boards worldwide chaired by women increased from 13.1% in 2013 to 30.9% in 2025.
Companies led by women rose from 23.4% to 28.2% over the same period.
Although 74.8% of companies reported having an equality and diversity policy or equivalent in 2025, fewer reported implementing initiatives than in 2018.
- Who
- Women and the International Labour Organization.
- What
- An ILO report found women hold 30.5% of management jobs worldwide.
- When
- The report was published this week. It includes figures for 2025.
- Where
- Worldwide.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Women held 24.5% of management jobs worldwide.
Women chaired 13.1% of company boards worldwide.
37.4% of companies implemented equality and diversity initiatives.
Women chaired 30.9% of company boards worldwide, and 28.2% of companies were led by women.
26.5% of companies implemented equality and diversity initiatives, while 74.8% reported having a relevant policy or equivalent.
- Women in management
- 30.5% worldwide
- Women chairing company boards
- 13.1% in 2013; 30.9% in 2025
- Companies led by women
- 23.4% in 2013; 28.2% in 2025
- Companies surveyed
- 11,957 in 99 countries
- Equality and diversity policies
- 74.8% of companies in 2025
- Initiatives implemented
- 37.4% in 2018; 26.5% in 2025
What people are saying
Gender equality is a fundamental right, and the data clearly show that it is also a powerful driver of business sustainability and economic growth.