The Business Case for Gender Equality

Women represent half of the world’s employment potential, but are underrepresented in the global workforce at all levels, and are often excluded from formal employment opportunities. This is not simply an issue of fairness, it’s a missed economic opportunity. Research shows that gender equality pays dividends. In a study of Fortune 500 companies, Catalyst found that firms with higher gender diversity in management had 35 percent better return on equity than firms with poor gender equity. Tapping into women’s unique contributions and experiences can strengthen organizations in lucrative industries and add trillions to global GDP.

Resilient, reliable, and commercially viable companies and organizations fuel economic growth, bolster economies, catalyze social development, and support nations on their journey to self reliance. Working with partner organizations to better understand gender gaps and design interventions in outreach and recruitment; mentorship and leadership; and professional development, can help an organization’s competitive advantage.

What is a "Business Case" for gender equality?

A business case provides justification for undertaking a project, program, or portfolio. It evaluates the benefit, cost, and risk of alternative options and provides a rationale for the preferred solution.

The Global Business Case for Gender Equality

Increased profitability and organizational performance

The top 25 percent of companies in male-dominated industries that have the most gender-diverse executive leadership teams are 47 percent more profitable than those in the bottom 25 percent.

Improved national productivity and economic growth

Excluding women from the workforce leads to inefficient economies, unequal growth, and missed opportunities for development. McKinsey estimates that achieving gender parity in the workplace could add as much as $12 trillion to the global economy.

Resilient workplaces and national economies that can withstand shocks

Inclusive business cultures lead to a 59.1 percent increase in creativity, innovation, and openness and 37.9 percent better assessment of consumer demand.