PH Takes Top Spot for Women Leaders in Asia Pacific Region, Based on Study

LinkedIn recently published a study in the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap Report. Based on the findings, the Philippines ranked the highest within the Asia Pacific region in terms of the representation of women in leadership positions. In the Philippines, women held 41% of leadership positions in the workforce. Other countries that followed include Singapore at 39%, New Zealand at 33%, Australia at 32%, and India at 18%.

However, LinkedIn also forwarded that men in the Philippines are 26% more likely to be promoted into leadership positions. “This statistic is more pronounced in other APAC countries like Singapore and India (42%),” added the platform. LinkedIn Managing Director for APAC Feon Ang affirmed that the data highlighted how women generally encounter more barriers in the workplace compared to men.

The promotion rates into leadership roles are higher for men in the workforce. Hence, this often leads to underrepresentation in leadership. “We need to do more to ensure that women in the workforce have equal access to opportunities,” explained Ang. “Organizations and business leaders should look at solutions like internal mobility, fair hiring practices with a focus on skills and flexibility. This will ensure that women are equal contributors at all levels in an organization.”

Globally, women in the workforce who hold the vice-president (VP) or C-Suite (CXO) level are at 27% and 25%, respectively. “In the Philippines, there are 40% at the VP level, and 32% at the CXO level, higher than the global average,” the study furthered, noting how the Philippines is ahead in women’s representation compared to the rest of the world.

Source: ABS CBN