Why Should the Rest of Us Want More Women at the Top?

Why? Because Catalyst (the preeminent working women’s research organization) released a study showing that:“Gender diversity and financial performance are linked—in a large and positive way. On average, companies with the highest percentage of women among their top officers had a return on equity 35.1% higher than those with the fewest high-level women. Total return to shareholders was 34% higher for the companies with the most executive women, vs. those with the fewest. “

Clearly, there is a strong business case for placing women at the top.When women hold more of the top-level jobs and have more influence companies are more likely to become truly women- and family-friendly, offering day-care and elder-care alternatives; flextime options; and better pay, benefits, and retirement packages. These benefits have a positive impact not just on the women but on their extended families. Women executives and decision makers will be able to open doors and give other women a seat at the table of power in business, politics, media, and technology in America and other nations around the globe.