The value of visibility

For 22 years, Grant Thornton’s Women in Business research has tracked the progress of women in senior leadership across the global mid-market.

This year’s report, The value of visibility, highlights a clear reality: organisations that remain visibly committed to gender equality outperform their peers. Yet progress in female representation at senior level has slowed, reinforcing the need for leadership, accountability and sustained action.

Visibility is more than presence, it signals opportunity, attracts talent and strengthens performance.

 

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Discover how visibility drives performance
Key Findings from the Report

Key Findings from the Report

1.
Gender equality drives growth
Firms committed to gender equality and introducing new initiatives were more likely to grow: 73% increased revenue by over 5%, 56.2% expanded staff and 48.8% grew exports in 2025.
2.
Commitment remains strong
92.7% of mid-market firms have DE&I initiatives in place and 75.8% remain committed to gender equality. Over a third plan to introduce new measures in 2026.
3.
CEO representation increases
23.8% of global CEO roles are now held by women, up 2.1pp from 2025, with gains also seen across key C-suite positions.
4.
Talent expectations are rising
91.9% of leaders consider gender equality initiatives when applying for roles, and 66.6% say it is a priority, making visibility a competitive advantage.
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    The Path Forward

    For businesses, the opportunity to lead in gender diversity is clear. Mid-market firms must set ambitious targets, foster female talent, and engage with partners to create a more inclusive business environment. This will not only benefit their own companies but will also contribute to a stronger and more dynamic economy for the region.

    Now is the time for us to take action. Achieving gender parity in leadership is not just a matter of fairness—it is essential for creating a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous business environment for everyone.