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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.

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