Women in the Workplace 2024 Report Highlights Gender Gaps in the Workplace After a Decade of Progress
The report underscores the need for systemic change to achieve gender parity. Companies are urged to focus on addressing the broken rung, debiasing hiring and promotions, and empowering managers to foster inclusive cultures. Despite setbacks, progress in gender equity is possible with sustained effort and a renewed commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Released in partnership with LeanIn.Org, this marks the tenth anniversary of the largest study on women in corporate America and has vakluable lessons for all countries trying to bridge the gender gap in work force participation.
Key findings:
Women have made modest gains in corporate leadership, with 29% now holding C-suite roles, up from 17% in 2015, but representation declines at higher levels due to persistent barriers like the “broken rung” at the manager level, where only 81 women are promoted for every 100 men, and even fewer for Black women and Latinas. Women of color remain underrepresented, making up just 7% of C-suite positions, with parity projected to take decades longer than for White women. Challenges such as microaggressions, lack of support, ageism, and caregiving burdens disproportionately affect women of color and LGBTQ+ women. While some organizations implement flexible work options and bias training, fewer prioritize mentorship, diversity programs, or career development. Creating gender-responsive workplaces that address these systemic barriers is essential for achieving justice, equality, and broader societal progress.
