Women are at a disadvantage in the business world than men, from making it difficult to get into leadership positions to being underpaid at all levels. The patriarchal society and gender segregation of labor puts women in stereotypical traditional "female" profession that are significantly less paid than "male" profession. Most developed countries have laws that ensure gender equality in all spheres of private, social and business life and the actual data show a slightly different situation.

All over the world, and in Croatia as well, the situation with women's business status is not the most favorable, mainly because women are mostly the ones who adjust their careers to family obligations. There are far fewer women in management and management positions than men, but stereotypes about women in business are breaking down the fastest in Europe.

The trend of hiring and promoting women to management positions is growing

Grant Thornton Global conducted a "Women in Business" survey that monitored the position of women around the world in senior positions, i.e. managerial positions and the development of gender equality in business. A study conducted in 2021 showed that during the pandemic, women had more opportunities to move to higher positions. The same research conducted this year, 2022, as economies are slowly recovering and the impact of the pandemic is receding, the results show that this trend is growing.

Medium-sized companies around the world are taking decisive action to shape more flexible work practices according to the needs of their people. Through the research, they state that their priority is employee engagement and modeling an open, inclusive work environment. With this approach, companies are opening the door to talents of either sex, and thus women are coming to higher positions in increasing numbers.

The share of women in management positions has grown by 11% in the last decade

Structural and continuous progress has led to an increase in the proportion of women in management positions around the world. According to the survey, 32% of women are in leading positions compared to 2021, when there were 31%. These leadership positions include the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and Human Resources Director. Over the past few years, there has been a linear growth in statistics related to this topic. Compared to 2012, of which a full decade has passed, the share of women in management positions has increased by a staggering 11%.

Although women are becoming more economically active and more involved in management, the situation is still unsatisfactory. To help you with that, there are Grant Thornton experts who will steer any business in the desired direction. Contact our highly qualified experts with confidence!

Data source: Grant Thornton Global