The presence of women in leadership positions is an essential practice for sustainable relations within companies and for building a more equitable society. Promoting this leadership is part of a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIP) and generates positive impacts for both organizations and society.
According to global research by consultancy Grant Thornton, which interviewed around 5,000 senior executives, women occupy 33.5% of leadership positions worldwide, an increase of 1.1% compared to 2023.
In Brazil, this figure stands at 39.1%, according to a survey by CNI (National Confederation of Industry) based on IBGE data from 2023. Despite the growth, the evolution has been slow - an increase of less than four percentage points compared to 2013, when the rate was 35.7%.
In addition to increasing the presence of women in positions of power, it is essential to ensure that this representation is plural and intersectional, taking into account the diversity of race, origin, social class, generation, bodies, sexual orientation and gender identity, and people with disabilities.
Gender equality: collective commitment to results
To boost women's leadership, companies need to adopt concrete and consistent measures:
- Public targets and transparency: Setting objective targets and making them public demonstrates commitment to gender equity. Tracking and sharing the results strengthens transparency and accountability.
- Wage parityEnsuring that women and men receive equal pay for the same positions is a fundamental right and an essential step towards gender equality.
- Affirmative action: Implement initiatives to expand opportunities, especially for women who face multiple barriers due to intersectional characteristics.
Building an inclusive work environment
In addition to these initiatives, it is very important to create a work environment that promotes psychological security and belonging:
- Psychological safety: Providing a space where everyone feels safe to express opinions and share ideas without fear of reprisals.
- Belonging: Cultivating a culture of inclusion, where people feel valued and recognized.
- Career development: Offering continuous professional growth opportunities for women, regardless of their origin or identity.
The role of men in gender equality
Gender equality cannot be the sole responsibility of women. The involvement of men is fundamental to building a fairer and more inclusive working environment:
- Active alliance: Men can act as allies, fighting sexism and prejudice in the corporate environment.
- Reflection on structures: Understanding and questioning the patterns of hegemonic masculinity that reinforce the devaluation of women.
- Sharing responsibilities: Dividing tasks inside and outside the workplace enables women to have more time and energy to devote to their careers.
Impact of women's leadership
Gender diversity in leadership brings multiple results for companies and society:
- Better financial performance: Companies with greater gender diversity in their leadership tend to have better financial performance. According to McKinsey & Company's Delivering Through Diversity report, companies that invest in gender equity are 21% more likely to outperform competitors in financial terms.
- Greater innovation: Different perspectives and experiences drive innovation and creativity.
- Reputation and attracting talent: Companies that promote gender equity build a stronger reputation and become more attractive to diverse talent.
- A fairer society: The presence of women in leadership contributes to fairer relations inside and outside the corporate environment.
Conclusion
By promoting the leadership of women in all their plurality - considering race, origin, social class, generation, bodies, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities - companies not only strengthen their performance, but also contribute to a more inclusive future.
Linking gender equity to transparent targets, pay parity, affirmative action, psychological safety, belonging and career development is essential for building fairer and more sustainable organizations and societies.