Women in senior leadership positions pass critical 30% mark

The past 12 months have seen a series of events that have permanently impacted both the nature of the workplace and women’s opportunities within it. Working practices have become more flexible, new leadership traits are coming to the fore, and the need for a diverse workforce and inclusive culture has never been more apparent. In these extraordinary times, agile, forward-looking businesses will recognise this moment of change as a chance to evolve and thrive.

For 17 years, Grant Thornton has been tracking the global progress of women in senior management. In the last 12 months, unprecedented events have had an unforeseen and unparalleled impact on that progress. The coronavirus pandemic has driven a fundamental shift in global working practices. It has forced millions into a remote working model. It has exposed weaknesses in supply chains; caused businesses to assess the factors essential to survival; and underlined the mid-market as the beating heart of many sectors, central to keeping economies functioning.

In this summary report [ 6567 kb ] we share insights from the global study, along with the progress being made across the Gulf, whilst highlighting the thoughts of key leaders.