catalyst-featured-resereach-hero-general

The facts about gender representation

The facts about gender representation

Across regions and industries, women are underrepresented in senior leadership and earn less than men for the same work. Though women now surpass men in earning advanced degrees, their labor force participation and advancement to top positions have not kept pace. Women of color, particularly Latine and Black women, are even more underrepresented.

Barriers can include limited access to sponsors, caregiving responsibilities, and reluctance to self-advocate. Including women in your organizational practice strategy—including pay transparency practices, flexible work, and parental leave—benefits all employees. Fostering diverse teams is about unlocking the full potential of the workforce.

Gender disparities aren’t just harmful. They're bad for business.

Diverse teams drive innovation, better decision-making, and improved financial performance. Companies that make investments in more inclusive cultures can differentiate themselves and compete for stronger talent—especially in sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, and finance where equal gender representation lags even further behind compared to others.

Read blog: Inclusion strategies that work

Addressing the underrepresentation of Latinas

Latinas are significantly underrepresented in the US corporate workforce, comprising only 5% of entry-level positions and a mere 1% of the C-suite. Investing in Latine employees with coaching, raises, and advancement opportunities is crucial for retention and building a more inclusive workplace. Organizations must also address barriers like caregiving responsibilities and reluctance to self-advocate through sponsorship and supportive policies.

Learn more

Women are underrepresented, especially at the top

  • catalyst-web-icon-card-bg-WHITE-short

    46.8%

    of the total workforce in the US is women.

  • catalyst-web-icon-card-bg-WHITE-short

    29.2%

    of chief executives in the US are women.

Women’s educational gains vs. workforce challenges

Since the 1980s and 2000s, women have surpassed men in earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees across all racial and ethnic groups. Despite this progress, their labor force participation has declined since its 1999 peak (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). To address this disparity, companies must establish goals and accountabilities to build inclusion into day-to-day activities. One important strategy to attract and retain women is to provide benefits that support balancing childcare with workplace demands.

Keep reading report: Working parents

  • Article

    National Employee Benefits Day: Focus on frontline employees

  • Article

    Making the case for menopause support

  • Event recap: HONOURS 2024

    Advice from next-generation diversity and inclusion leaders

  • Infographic

    Stop the stigma: Addressing menopause in the workplace

    Reducing menopause stigma in the workplace can increase workplace productivity and retention.

  • Company Blog

    Fix systems, not women: 5 takeaways from Catalyst Honours

    Canada’s premier gender equity and DEI conference inspired attendees with success stories and actionable advice

  • E-book

    Gender equity reduces hostile, sexist behavior toward women in frontline roles

    Gender equity can significantly reduce hostile, sexist behavior in frontline workplaces.

  • Q & A

    Katie Taylor: From CEO to philanthropist

    Katie Taylor, from CEO to philanthropist, is championing women's advancement and more equitable workplaces for all through her lasting advocacy work and charitable causes.

  • Article

    Simone Alleyne: Creator of opportunities

    Simone Alleyne makes equity happen at McDonald’s Canada, where she has always felt a sense of belonging.

  • Article

    When women win, do men lose?

    People of all genders benefit from gender equity, as the Catalyst MARC initiative demonstrates.

  • Article

    Systemic change happens when people committed to DEI make waves

    For Women's History Month, Zabeen Hirji, Executive Advisor, Future of Work, Deloitte Canada, shares how to change workplace cultures.

  • Webinar Recording

    Driving the Catalyst Effect: Women leaders cultivating workplace equity

    In celebration of the 2024 International Women’s Day, watch an inspiring webinar highlighting women who are trailblazers in driving positive transformation in their workplaces and beyond.

  • Infographic

    The double-bind dilemma for women in leadership

    Gender stereotypes and the “think leader, think male” mindset create a no-win situation for women leaders.

  • Media Release

    On pay equity, transparency, and advancing women into leadership, Catalyst CEO Champions For Change companies outperform global peers

    Catalyst CEO Champions For Change companies outpace global peers in advancing women leaders and pay equity across 11M+ employees worldwide.

  • Media Release

    Sephora and Zoetis Recognized by Catalyst for Improving Gender Representation and Advancing Women

    These 2024 Catalyst Award winners will be honored at our annual gender equity Conference and Dinner.

  • Article

    Retaining Frontline Retail Talent: Focus on Caregivers, People from Marginalized Racial and Ethnic Groups, and Gen Z

    As retailers enter the holiday crush, employees become even more vital to being able to deliver a positive customer experience and successful sales Retailers can solve seasonal and long-term shortages by appealing to caretakers, underrepresented racial groups, and Generation Z.

  • Tool

    Beginning a measurement process: A tool for DEI leaders

    Whether your organization is just starting its workforce measurement strategy or expanding it, this tool has the resources you need.