Women are still struggling to advance in the workforce, according to a recent study by Catalyst. In 2010, women held only 14.4 percent of executive officer positions, a 0.9 percent increase over last year, and men continue to vastly outnumber women in boardrooms and the higher echelons of the payscale. In addition, men with mentors continue to advance at a faster pace than women in with mentors.
While the study argues that there is no surefire way to increase female representation in leadership roles, sponsorship would a go a long way in displaying a commitment to their advancement and growth in corporate America. Ilene H. Lang, president and CEO of Catalyst says, “Jumpstarting women’s advancement takes commitment fueled by urgency. Our research points to a solution that can narrow the gender leadership gap and supercharge the leadership pool—making corporate America more competitive in the process.”
This article was featured in the December 15, 2010 issue of Diversity Best Practices’ email newsletter, Diversity in the News. To subscribe to Diversity in the News, register on the newsletter page of this website.
