Bloomberg Businessweek Disparity of Women on Boards
Apr 17, 2025
Heather Spilsbury, CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards, leads a nonprofit focused on advancing gender balance in corporate governance. She discusses the impressive rise of women on boards from 9% in 2010 to 26% in 2023, and the positive impact of diversity on shareholder returns. The conversation delves into the challenges of implementing effective DEI initiatives in a politically charged corporate landscape. They also explore global efforts aimed at enhancing women's representation in leadership and the socio-economic benefits anticipated from these initiatives.
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Growth in Women on Boards
- Female representation on corporate boards has nearly tripled since 2010, reaching 26% in 2023.
- Regulatory changes in Europe, the U.S., and Asia are driving this global shift toward gender diversity.
Talent Inclusion Over Just Equality
- Women still hold only about 30% of corporate board seats as of Q4 2024, showing progress but ongoing inequality.
- The focus is on talent inclusion, not just equality, to tap into underrecognized women and minorities.
Adapting to Shifting DEI Climate
- Corporate responses to DEI efforts vary; some pull back, some maintain silent support, others seek new language for partnership.
- 50/50 Women on Boards adapts messaging to emphasize inclusion rather than elimination.