A casual glance at the latest figures released in this report from Cranfield School of Management might suggest things are improving for women on boards. The numbers of women on boards have continued to rise. Women now account for almost 40% of directors on FTSE 100 boards and 39% on FTSE 250 boards, more or less meeting the new Women Leaders Review targets
However, as we women well know, there’s many a slip twixt cup and lip. Look closely, and you could be forgiven for thinking that the figures are being deliberately massaged to look better than they are in reality.
In reality, it looks like women are being given positions on boards of far lesser power than their male counterparts. We are there in greater numbers as non-executive directors.
We women are not on boards in significant decision making roles. Argh!
Yes, you may now run screaming around the room. Let the frustration out. (Unless you’re in a large office. It’s not good for career progression. You’ll be called an hysterical female, even when that is the logical response…)
When The Chips Are Down
Unless we have more women in significant decision making roles little will change in the field of gender equality. When the chips are down institutions revert to type. We’ve seen this throughout the pandemic and subsequent recession. Women have suffered the most. Men guard what they have as they feel threatened.
When under pressure people go with what they know. They follow the line of least resistance. The Old Boys network is easy; we all know how that works.
We Need Quotas For Change To Stick
Men and women frequently tell me that quotas are awful. Having quotas is demeaning to women they tell me. People should get there on merit. They do not discriminate. They just choose the best man for the job. Whoops, sorry, person. they choose the best person. Yeah, right.
So, unless you believe that women are much less able than their male counterparts, this is self evidently untrue. Or if you hold a quaint belief that only really capable and competent men get into positions of power. And you obviously don’t believe that or you wouldn’t be on this website, would you?
We Need More Women on Boards
In matters of social change we have always needed legislation to force the change. This is true of all discriminatory behaviour. Only legislation has made the change possible. Even then it is far from perfect, but at least we have a benchmark. The group with all the power may talk the talk but fine words butter no parsnips. They have to be made to walk the walk. And I believe the only way to do that is via quotas.
I rest my case, your ladyship.
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on November 10th, 2022 by Jane
