One of the reasons I celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) is statistics.
The number of women working in engineering and advanced manufacturing has not increased in 20 years. The percentage of women moving into management and senior management levels still remains far below their male counterparts.
We have not yet reached gender parity – and we need to. This year’s IWD theme -- #EachforEqual – underscores why: an equal world is an enabled world. At our company, we know that diverse teams make better decisions. And Inclusive teams, where employees feel valued and heard, are more creative and innovative.
A Goal Within Reach
A recent Women in the Workplace study from McKinsey & Company shows signs that the glass ceiling is cracking – more women are rising to top levels of companies than ever before.
Still, women are underrepresented at every level. Despite progress, we are far from gender parity.
Broken Rung
The study references the ‘broken rung.’ That’s the first step up to manager. While women start at entry level positions at about the same percentage as men, for every 100 men promoted/hired to manager, only 72 women are promoted/hired. This has a long-term impact on the talent pipeline, as fewer women are able to take the next steps to senior levels.
Statistics like those cited in the report fuel my passion for creating a culture where all employees – women and men – can be comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work, and realize equal opportunities for learning and career growth.
This month our company is recognizing women – the innovators, problem solvers, builders and makers – who believe our world can work better. People like:
