What does having women on the board really mean?

Over the past decade, increasing gender diversity in corporate boardrooms has garnered significant attention as companies, governments, and investors recognise the need for inclusivity at the highest decision-making levels.

But what does having women on a board of directors mean for an organisation’s success, culture, and long-term profitability? Research reveals that it’s more than just a step toward equality—it can be a game-changer for business outcomes, social responsibility, and adaptability in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

Gender-diverse boards are better positioned to succeed in today’s competitive environment. Companies with women on their boards benefit from improved decision-making, a more cohesive corporate culture, and a stronger ability to respond to change. Gender-balanced boards are nearly 20 per cent more likely to improve business performance. This enhanced decision-making stems from the diversity of perspectives and experiences women bring. 

One of the most compelling financial arguments for gender diversity in boardrooms is the return on investment (ROI). Research shows that companies adding even one woman to their board—while keeping the board size unchanged—can achieve an ROI of 8 to 13 basis points. This metric is not merely a reflection of symbolic representation; it demonstrates the tangible financial benefits of diverse viewpoints, which can foster more robust discussions, more rigorous risk management, and more effective corporate strategies.

In addition, gender-diverse boards excel in other key areas. They are more likely to accurately gauge consumer interests and demands, which is crucial as women make up a significant portion of global consumers. Companies that fail to incorporate female perspectives risk missing out on insights that could drive customer engagement, product development, and marketing effectiveness.

Having women on a board is not just a matter of equity but a strategic advantage. Companies that embrace gender diversity at the board level unlock new perspectives, enhance their decision-making capabilities, and improve their overall financial performance.

A global overview of women on boards of directors

While the push for gender diversity is gaining momentum, progress varies by region. According to Deloitte, only 19.7 per cent of board seats worldwide are held by women, and just 6.7 per cent of boards are chaired by women. Regions such as Africa and Europe lead the way, with countries such as Norway, France, and Germany having established gender quotas to ensure representation. Norway, for example, was the first country to introduce a mandatory quota for women on boards in 2003, causing a ripple effect across Europe.

In the United States, the situation is improving, but slowly. By 2022, women accounted for 32 per cent of board directors of S&P 500 companies, a remarkable increase from 17 per cent in 2012. Initiatives such as the Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule, which requires listed companies to disclose diversity statistics and have at least one woman or a minority on their board, are pushing the US corporate landscape towards greater inclusiveness.

Despite these advances, significant gaps remain in regions such as the Middle East and parts of Asia, where gender diversity remains low. The Middle East, for example, lags, with only 10.2 per cent of board seats held by women. However, countries such as the United Arab Emirates are implementing rules requiring private companies to have at least one woman on their boards by 2025, marking a shift towards more inclusive corporate governance.

With this decision, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking an important step towards promoting gender equality and diversity in corporate leadership. The initiative reflects the UAE's broader objectives to promote gender equality and diversity, building on similar regulations introduced in 2021 for public limited companies. By extending the requirement to private companies, the government is further emphasizing the importance of women's participation in corporate decision-making.

The benefits of a gender-balanced boardroom

Beyond financial performance, gender diversity in leadership offers a wide range of organisational benefits:

Reduced Groupthink: Women often challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives, which fosters more dynamic problem-solving. Diverse boards are more likely to discuss controversial issues thoroughly and adapt quickly to market shifts.

Improved Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies with women on their boards tend to prioritize CSR initiatives. Female board members often advocate for inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical business practices, aligning corporate values with stakeholder expectations.

Better employee engagement: Companies with more women in leadership roles see higher levels of job satisfaction among employees. This is particularly true for male employees, who report better job satisfaction in organisations where women are in senior positions.

Enhanced decision-making: Female leaders are known for their rigorous preparation and reliance on data-driven insights. By challenging dominant opinions and confronting potential biases, women help boards make more informed and less risky decisions.

The push for gender diversity in boardrooms

While progress has been made, the road to gender diversity at the highest corporate levels is still a long one. Major investment firms like Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and State Street are pushing for more women on boards by setting diversity expectations for the companies they invest in. Goldman Sachs, for example, will not take a company public if it lacks diversity in its leadership, and BlackRock has set a 30 per cent diversity goal for boardrooms.

These corporate giants understand that a lack of diversity not only undermines social responsibility but also hinders financial performance. Investors are increasingly scrutinising companies’ board compositions and are willing to vote against board leaders who fail to meet diversity expectations.

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How to encourage companies to hire more women, especially for management positions

Here are actionable steps organisations can take to encourage the hiring and promotion of women to leadership roles:

• Expand your search: Broaden the search for board members beyond traditional CEO talent pools, which are often male-dominated. Partner with search firms that are committed to identifying qualified female candidates.
• Hire more female in C-suite roles: Research shows that companies led by women tend to have greater gender diversity throughout their leadership. For example, women-led companies have more gender-balanced boards and a 300 per cent increase in women in senior leadership roles.
• Talent attraction and employer branding: Publicly committing to diversity and inclusion, and backing it up with measurable goals, is an effective way to attract young women aiming to reach career heights. It is also an effective approach to building brand presence in the market. To improve in this area, use tools like the Gender Diversity Assessment Workbook to identify gaps and create a strategy for better talent attraction and branding.
• Link executive compensation to diversity goals: Make gender diversity a priority by tying it to executive compensation. Leaders should be held accountable for creating diverse and inclusive work environments.
• Offer flexible working policies: Women in MENA are ready to join the workforce and contribute to the economy; however, the lack of flexible work options and support for their caregiving responsibilities holds them back. Therefore, organisations need to provide flexible work options, such as hybrid work models and parental leave for both genders. These policies enable women to balance leadership roles with caregiving responsibilities.
• Create mentorship and sponsorship programmes: Provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, particularly for women of color, who often face additional barriers. Mentorship can help women navigate the corporate ladder and access leadership opportunities.
• Eliminate bias in hiring and promotion: Use blind recruitment practices and structured interviews to eliminate unconscious bias in hiring. Focus on merit and skills rather than subjective perceptions of leadership fit.