WOMEN HOLD JUST 30.5% OF MANAGEMENT POSITIONS WORLDWIDE DESPITE EDUCATIONAL ADVANCES, UN SURVEY FINDS

November 3, 2026

GENEVA, November 3, 2026: Women continue to remain significantly underrepresented in management positions across the world, accounting for just 30.5 per cent of all management roles despite substantial improvements in their educational achievements over recent decades, according to a global survey released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Tuesday.

The survey, which analysed data from thousands of companies across 99 countries, identified a persistent imbalance in women's representation in leadership and management positions. Although the number of women chief executives has increased, their overall share of management positions remains below one-third.

According to Jae-Hee Chang, the ILO's senior relations specialist, women's representation in management has increased only gradually, rising from approximately 24 per cent three decades ago to the present 30.5 per cent. The findings were presented at a press conference in Geneva.

Chang acknowledged that progress had been made but warned that women's considerable potential remained underutilised. She also highlighted the economic and business case for improving women's participation in leadership positions.

The report identified continuing structural barriers that prevent women from advancing into management roles. It also raised concerns over declining implementation of workplace support programmes for women, including maternity leave arrangements that have demonstrated their effectiveness in supporting women's professional participation and career progression.

The ILO called on companies to introduce measures addressing institutional and structural obstacles that restrict women's advancement within organisations. It further emphasised that inequalities in care responsibilities outside the workplace must be considered when examining the persistent gender gap in management.

The findings highlight a continuing disparity between women's educational progress and their representation in positions of economic decision-making. Despite improvements in access to education and professional opportunities, women remain considerably underrepresented in the leadership structures of businesses worldwide.

The survey underscores the need for stronger workplace policies, effective support programmes and institutional changes to ensure that educational achievements translate into equal opportunities for professional advancement and management leadership.