---
title: "ILO: Women Hold Only 30.5% of Management Positions Worldwide — Progress Remains Slow"
description: "The ILO published a report showing that women hold only 30.5% of management positions worldwide. Progress from 24% three decades ago remains slow, and support programs are declining."
date: 2026-11-04T22:29:01.769Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ilo-women-hold-30-5-percent-management-positions
tags: [ilo, gender-equality, women-leadership, labor-market, corporate-governance]
author: "Andrey Kosynko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# ILO: Women Hold Only 30.5% of Management Positions Worldwide — Progress Remains Slow

![Two businesswomen in suits talking on the steps of a courthouse](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/04/mot-zhenshchiny-zanymaut-30-5-rukovodyashchikh-dolzhnostej-v-mire/mot-zhenshchiny-zanymaut-30-5-rukovodyashchikh-dolzhnostej-v-mire-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Women hold only 30.5% of management positions globally, compared to about 24% three decades ago
- The data is based on an analysis of thousands of enterprises across 99 countries
- Workplace support programs for women, including maternity leave, show signs of reduction
- The ILO urges businesses to eliminate structural barriers and review career progression policies

On November 3, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Labour Organization (ILO) presented a new report assessing the current state of gender equality in corporate governance. The study's key finding is that women hold only 30.5% of all management positions worldwide. The data was obtained by analyzing thousands of enterprises across 99 countries, making the study one of the most representative in this field.

### Slow but Noticeable Progress

Senior ILO expert Chang Jae-hee noted at a press conference that the share of women in leadership positions has grown from approximately 24% three decades ago to 30.5% at present. Despite quantitative growth, the expert emphasized that the pace of progress remains insufficient: the gender gap in management has not significantly narrowed, and positive changes have not translated into a systemic shift. According to her, there is ample evidence that empowering women directly benefits business, yet the potential of the female workforce remains underutilized.

### Reduction of Workplace Support Programs

The report highlights that workplace support programs for women, including maternity leave, are showing signs of reduction. This is happening despite the proven effectiveness of such measures for businesses. The ILO points to a serious imbalance in career advancement opportunities between men and women and urges businesses to actively eliminate structural barriers that limit women's career growth and their ability to hold leadership positions.

### The Invisible Burden of Domestic Responsibilities

In addition to corporate factors, the organization highlighted the unequal distribution of family care responsibilities. The burden of household chores, largely placed on women, limits their opportunities for professional activity, promotion, and career development. The ILO argues that promoting gender equality in management requires a comprehensive approach — from improving working conditions and maintaining supportive policies to a more equitable distribution of family care duties.

### Call for Structural Action

The ILO stresses that declarative measures are not enough: the corporate sector and state institutions must transition to concrete structural changes. The organization urges enterprises to review internal hiring, promotion, and retention policies, and to factor in gender when designing career progression systems. Without such steps, ILO experts estimate that achieving true leadership parity will remain a task for decades to come.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Женщины занимают лишь 30,5% руководящих должностей в мире.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/phu-nu-chi-nam-30-5-vi-tri-quan-ly-tren-toan-cau) - Primary source of the ILO report. The figures (30.5%, 24%, 99 countries), expert name (Chang Jae-hee), and press conference date/location (Nov 3, Geneva) are consistent with the report text.

## FAQ

### How many management positions do women hold worldwide according to the ILO?

According to the ILO report published on November 3, 2026, women hold 30.5% of all management positions globally.

### How has the proportion of women in management changed over the past three decades?

Three decades ago, this figure was approximately 24% and has now reached 30.5%, which ILO experts assess as slow progress.

### What data was the study based on?

The study is based on data from thousands of enterprises across 99 countries.

### What measures does the ILO recommend to reduce the gender gap?

The ILO urges companies to eliminate structural barriers, maintain workplace support programs, improve working conditions, and promote a fairer distribution of family care duties.