ILO Report Finds Women Hold 30.5% of Global Managerial Roles

The International Labour Organization reported Tuesday that women hold only 30.5% of managerial positions worldwide. Data from a survey of nearly 12,000 enterprises across 99 countries shows a rise in top-tier leadership since 2013, with female board chairs increasing from 13.1% to 30.9% and female CEOs rising from 23.4% to 28.2% by 2025.

Despite these gains at the top, representation in junior and middle management has declined, creating a gap that threatens the pipeline for future leaders. The report highlights a disconnect between corporate policy and practice. While 70% of surveyed enterprises reported improved business outcomes from diversity measures, the actual implementation of gender equality initiatives—such as equal pay and maternity leave—dropped from 37.4% in 2018 to 26.5% in 2025.

ILO officials called on companies to address structural barriers and unequal care responsibilities to better utilize women's potential. The organization emphasized that while a strong business case for diversity exists, social norms and systemic hurdles continue to leave female talent untapped.