A new study out today charts the extent of male domination of positions of power – with women still missing in significant numbers from top jobs in politics, the law, civil service, trade unions, charities, professional bodies and sport bodies.
The Fawcett Society Sex and Power Index also reveals an alarming lack of women of colour across the top jobs in all sectors.
Among its findings, The Supreme Court has two women justices out of 12 (17%). Since its formation in 2009, there has never been Supreme Court Judge who is a person of colour.
In business, Women make up just over one in 20 CEOs of FTSE 100 companies. This remains unchanged since our last report in 2018. None of these CEOs are women of colour.
Women make up just 39% of Secondary Head Teachers. This figure has not changed since last reported in 2018 and has risen by just 6% since 2005. Women make up 30% of university vice-chancellors – but only 1% of university vice-chancellors are women are colour.
Women make up only 21% of national newspaper editors – with just four women in the top jobs.
Sam Smethers, Fawcett Chief Executive said:
“Despite much lip service about the importance of having women in top jobs, today’s data shows we are still generations away from achieving anything close to equality. We are wasting women’s talent and skills.”
“Male dominance of positions of power remains strong as this 2020 Sex and Power Index shows. If we want change, we have to make it happen. That means quotas, targets and policy interventions to remove the barriers to women’s progression.”
“Our research also shows the alarming lack of women of colour in the top tiers of many sectors. Fawcett’s new project with the Runnymede Trust on the pay and progression of women of colour will shine a spotlight on the specific challenges and barriers they face in the workplace. “
