catalyst-featured-resereach-hero-general

The facts about gender representation

Gender disparities challenge workplaces globally, with women underrepresented in senior leadership and earning less than men. For businesses, fostering diverse teams—whether employees, leaders, or boards—isn't just equitable; it's a strategic advantage. Attract and retain top talent with recruitment practices that provide women with equal opportunities and policies that support their career advancement.

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 represented less at the top

  • 46.8%

    of the total workforce in the US is women.

  • 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. To address this disparity, companies must invest in strategies to attract women and leverage their education.

Featured insights

View More
  • Infographic

    Stop the stigma: Addressing menopause in the workplace

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

    • Employee wellness
    • Gender representation
  • 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

    • Inclusive workplaces
    • Gender representation
    • Stereotypes and bias
  • E-book

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

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

    • Frontline employees
    • Employee wellness
    • Gender representation
    • Psychological safety
  • 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.

    • Inclusive workplaces
    • Gender representation
    • Stereotypes and bias
  • Article

    Simone Alleyne: Creator of opportunities

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

    • Inclusive workplaces
    • Diversity and Inclusion messaging
    • Gender representation
    • Sponsorship and mentorship
  • Article

    When women win, do men lose?

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

    • Gender partnership
    • Career equity
    • Gender representation
  • 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.

    • Inclusive workplaces
    • Gender representation
    • Inclusive leadership
  • 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.

    • Inclusive workplaces
    • Gender representation
    • Allyship and advocacy
  • 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.

    • Inclusive workplaces
    • Organizational culture change
    • Stereotypes and bias
    • Gender representation
  • 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.

    • Career equity
    • Pay gap and transparency
    • Gender representation
  • 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.

    • Organizational culture change
    • Career equity
    • Gender representation
  • 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.

    • Frontline employees
    • Race, ethnicity, and culture
    • Gender representation
  • 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.

    • Diversity and Inclusion governance
    • Gender representation
    • Measurement

Related video