A recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) has found that nearly 7 in 10 companies worldwide believe that initiatives promoting gender equality and diversity have contributed to improved results. This represents an increase of 11.1 percentage points from 2018. The report, titled "Women in Business and Leadership: Amplifying Success," was presented in Geneva on Tuesday. It highlights the growing economic benefits of equality policies within companies.
The report is based on a global survey of 11,957 companies in 99 countries conducted in 2025, as well as previous surveys, labor market data, and case studies. Among companies that reported increased profits due to initiatives promoting women in leadership positions, 87.4% reported gains of at least 5%. This suggests a positive correlation between gender equality initiatives and business performance.
The representation of women in top leadership positions has also increased over the past decade. The proportion of companies with a female chair of the board of directors rose from 13.1% in 2013 to 30.9% in 2025. Similarly, the proportion of companies led by a female CEO increased from 23.4% to 28.2% during the same period. Despite these advances, women still hold only 30% of management positions globally.
However, progress toward greater gender equality remains uneven across different levels of hierarchy. While there have been improvements in senior management and top leadership, there has been a decline in middle and lower management. The ILO also notes a concerning gap between companies' stated commitments to gender equality and their actual implementation. In 2025, 74.8% of companies reported having a policy on gender equality and diversity, but only 26.5% were actively implementing initiatives in this area.
This decline in implementation is particularly notable for measures that companies themselves consider effective, such as maternity leave, maternity support programs, and initiatives to promote equal pay. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasizes that gender equality is not only a fundamental right but also a driver of sustainable business development and economic growth. He calls for greater opportunities for women in leadership positions, better gender indicators, and targets.
The ILO is urging companies to address structural barriers, including the unequal distribution of family responsibilities and caregiving tasks, occupational segregation, and persistent social norms. The organization believes that strengthening possibilities for women's promotion, developing gender indicators and voluntary targets, and improving access to underrepresented sectors and positions can help drive progress.
The report's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace. While there have been significant advances in some areas, much work remains to be done to achieve true equality. The ILO's research provides valuable insights for companies, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to promote greater gender equality and diversity in the workplace.
Key points
- Nearly 7 in 10 companies worldwide report improved results from initiatives promoting gender equality and diversity.
- Women still hold only 30% of management positions globally, despite advances in top leadership positions.
- There is a concerning gap between companies' stated commitments to gender equality and their actual implementation.
