New Zealand Leading the Way in Female Representation in Leadership Roles

While global efforts toward achieving gender equality in senior management positions still have a long way to go, New Zealand stands out as a beacon of progress in this regard.

Despite lagging behind the global average in both female participation in leadership roles and their corresponding salaries, New Zealand boasts the strongest female representation on boards, with over 40% of CEOs being women, according to MSCI’s latest report.

The data reveals a stark contrast between New Zealand and other developed countries. For instance, countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany have less than 5% female CEOs, with significant gender pay disparities persisting. In Switzerland, female CEOs earn at least four times less than their male counterparts.

While countries like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong have less than 5% female CEOs, New Zealand surpasses them not only in representation but also in salary parity, with female CEOs earning significantly more than their male counterparts in certain cases.

Moreover, New Zealand’s success extends beyond CEO positions, with a significant rise in the percentage of women holding board positions, reflecting a broader trend towards greater gender diversity in corporate leadership.

New Zealand’s example serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, where individuals are judged based on their abilities and contributions rather than their gender.

Have you read?
Revealed: Richest Countries During the Great Depression.
Revealed: Countries in Europe with the highest rates of underage drinking, 2024.
World’s Best CEOs.
World’s Best Companies.
World’s Best Business Schools.