Women account for 30.5% of business management roles
The ILO found signs of declining implementation of support programmes for women and urged companies to address barriers to career progression.
Women occupy 30.5% of management roles across businesses surveyed in 99 countries, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said. Drawing on information from thousands of companies, the UN labour body found that a gender imbalance remained even as more women became CEOs.
At a press conference in Geneva on Nov 3, Jae-Hee Chang, the ILO's senior relations specialist, contrasted that share with around 24% three decades ago. She said the increase had been slow despite substantial improvements in women's education, and that women's potential remained insufficiently used.
The ILO also identified signs that implementation of programmes supporting women was declining. It cited maternity leave among the measures that had proved effective.
Companies should take action against structural obstacles that hinder women's advancement, the organisation said. It also urged examination of issues beyond the workplace, including the unequal distribution of care responsibilities.
