How To Boost The Number Of Women In Leadership In 2025

Despite the progress the business world has made in boosting women’s representation in leadership, women hoping to move into leadership roles still face significant barriers, from implicit biases to unequal access to opportunities. These deep-seated challenges often stem from societal stereotypes and workplace cultures that undervalue women’s contributions, making it difficult for organizations to identify and address the root issues.

Striving for gender equality in leadership is essential for businesses not only to foster diversity and fairness, but also to benefit from the innovation and improved decision making that inclusive leadership brings. Our Founder Kathy Shanley leads off members of Forbes Coaches Council to explore how businesses can go beyond simply increasing awareness of the problem by actually opening doors for talented women to advance and creating environments where they can thrive as leaders.

1. Foster Ongoing Peer Connections

Organizations should foster ongoing peer connections—such as a women’s employee resource group or team-building initiative—to build their leadership pipeline. These connections offer women mentorship, as well as a chance to address common challenges, share insights from seminars and team-building events, and cultivate their peer support network. - Kathleen Shanley, Statice