A recent report highlights the persistent underrepresentation of women in executive roles within Austrian publicly listed companies, where women hold only 13.8% of board positions.
A recent report from EY's Mixed Leadership Barometer reveals that women are significantly underrepresented in executive roles across Austrian publicly listed companies, holding only 13.8% of board positions. This figure demonstrates a stagnation at a low level, indicating that progress towards gender equality in leadership roles is slow. Comparatively, Germany shows slightly better figures, with women making up over a quarter of board positions in DAX-listed companies.
The report examined 54 companies listed on the Wiener Börse Index (WBI), finding that there are no female CEOs among them. Out of 188 board members, only 26 are women, showcasing a stark disparity in gender representation at the highest levels of corporate governance. This lack of diversity raises questions regarding the inclusivity and effectiveness of corporate decision-making in Austria.
This stagnation in the appointment of women to leadership roles is concerning not only for gender equality advocates but also for the overall health of the economy, as diverse leadership teams are often correlated with better performance and innovation. As Austria grapples with these disparities, the findings indicate a pressing need for policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity within corporate boards, to foster a more equitable business environment.
