Female representation on boards sees year-on-year growth

Geographical disparities remain

Female board membership increased between 2021 and 2022, although geographical disparities remain, according to BNP Paribas Asset Management's global study on female board membership.

The study, which analysed the 17,800 listed companies included in the Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) database, found that women hold, on average, 20% of board seats, two percentage points higher than in 2021. On a geographical basis, the most significant increases were seen by South Africa, up from 28% to 32%, and Australia and New Zealand, jumping from 26% to 30%. Despite the positive progress, the study found several national disparities. In Europe, French companies reported 40% of board members being women. Norway and Italy also stand out, with averages of 40% and 3...