Abstract Book of the 4th World Conference on Gender Equality
Year: 2026
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Mind the gap- men vs women in leadership
Abaida Mahmood
ABSTRACT:
The world of work is changing, with significant implications for women. On one hand, we have globalization, technological & digital revolution and the opportunities they bring, and on the other hand, the growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new fiscal and trade policies and environmental impacts—all of which must be addressed in the context of women’s economic empowerment.
In 2025, the picture remains mixed. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, the world has closed 68.5% of the overall gender gap, but progress toward parity has slowed. Women now represent 43.4% of the global workforce yet hold only 30.6% of leadership positions, underscoring persistent barriers to advancement. The gender pay gap also endures: women earn about 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, reflecting a global pay disparity of roughly 17%
The good news is that leaders can improve equality at their business and reap the manifold rewards of diversity, if they are willing to walk the talk.
This paper looks at the measures that are key to ensuring women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work must include bridging the gender pay gap, which stands at 24 per cent globally; addressing the gender gaps in leadership, challenging the barriers that prevent women from progressing and ensuring gender-responsive economic policies for job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable, inclusive growth.
Keywords: Leadership, Empowerment, Equality , Diversity, Barriers, Pay Gap, Growth