A recent report by McKinsey & Company sheds light on the representation of women in C-suite positions across North America, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.
According to the report, women constitute approximately 25% of C-suite leaders in North America, but the representation of women of colour in these positions remains strikingly low, with only one in 16 holding such roles.
Based on data from over 270 companies in the U.S. and Canada, the report underscores a significant drop-off in representation for women of colour as they advance from entry-level positions to the C-suite, with their representation decreasing by two-thirds along the pipeline.
Despite expressing strong career aspirations, women of colour and younger women face notable barriers to advancement. The report indicates that for every 100 men promoted to managerial roles, only 87 women are similarly promoted, and this gap widens further for women of colour, with just 73 being promoted for every 100 men.
Moreover, the report reveals a concerning trend: the promotion rate for Black women to managerial positions dropped to 54 for every 100 men in 2023, significantly lower than in previous years.
Interestingly, the report highlights that women who work remotely experience fewer microaggressions and higher levels of psychological safety compared to those in traditional office settings. Reduced pressure around personal appearance and fewer unpleasant interactions with colleagues were cited as key benefits of remote work, particularly among women.
As organisations strive to foster greater gender diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, addressing these barriers and creating supportive work environments for all employees is imperative to driving meaningful progress.
