Women Reach 29% of C-Suite Positions but Face Persistent Barriers

Despite progress in executive roles, women, especially women of color, encounter significant challenges and slow advancement in the workplace.

A decade-long study by McKinsey and Lean In shows women now hold 29% of C-suite positions, up from 17% in 2015.
The study highlights that women of color are vastly underrepresented, holding only 7% of C-suite roles.
Women are more likely to be promoted to staff roles like HR rather than line roles, which are critical for reaching CEO positions.
The 'broken rung' phenomenon persists, with only 81 women promoted to manager for every 100 men, and even fewer for women of color.
Corporate commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion are declining, with fewer companies prioritizing gender and racial diversity compared to five years ago.