According to global research by Weber Shandwick, a leading communications firm, nearly three-quarters (73%) of senior executives predict that by 2030, women will hold equal numbers of top positions alongside men in most global companies. Yet, a majority of C-level leaders (56%), including CEOs, admit their organizations lack concrete goals to realize this vision. Only 39% prioritize gender diversity at the senior management level as a high business imperative, placing it seventh among the top 10 corporate priorities.
Key 'push' factors driving change, as identified in the study:
· Over two-thirds of executives (68%) note rising media scrutiny on gender equality, amplified by social media and public discourse. This aligns with data showing a more than threefold increase in articles about female CEOs since 2010.
· Enhancing the ability to attract and retain top female talent emerges as the top motivation for gender equality initiatives.
· Among those engaged in these efforts, 38% report that diverse gender perspectives drive stronger financial results.
Executives point to stakeholder pressure as the primary force accelerating progress toward gender parity in leadership.
· Aspiring female leaders express greater ambition for C-suite roles than their male peers (76% vs. 56%).
· Three-quarters of Millennials (76%) view C-level gender equality as essential, outpacing Generation X (44%) and Baby Boomers (48%).
