Unlocking women's leadership potential in Wales

22 October, 2024

Katie Spackman, Dr Lauren Josie Thomas, Jayde Howard and Shehla Khan all stand in a row

Researchers at the University of South Wales are working in partnership with CBI Cymru to better understand the barriers women face when advancing to leadership roles in Welsh businesses.

Image caption (left to right): Katie Spackman, CBI; Dr Lauren Josie Thomas, Jayde Howard and Dr Shehla Khan, USW

The Women’s Leadership in Wales survey, published today (22 October), identifies key challenges and opportunities for creating a more equitable workplace. Its results offer valuable data-driven recommendations to support women's career progression and promote gender equality.

By speaking to employees and employers across the nation, the research team – Dr Lauren Josie Thomas, Jayde Howard and Dr Shehla Kahn – were able to highlight both areas of progress and persistent disparities, providing a clear roadmap for businesses and policymakers to take action.

Jayde Howard, lecturer in Business Management at USW, said: “Our report highlights some of the key barriers currently impacting working women in Wales in 2024. In particular, the data demonstrates the stark impact that motherhood has on women's careers. It is our hope to work with policy makers and businesses to reduce these barriers and make meaningful moves towards gender equality in Wales.”

Dr Shehla Kahn, senior lecturer in Human Resource Management at USW, added: “This research sheds light on the intricate gender dynamics in management and leadership. By implementing targeted interventions, Welsh businesses can unlock women's leadership potential, driving innovation, productivity, and gender equality across our economy. Our findings underscore the importance of fostering inclusive leadership models that reflect the diversity and complexity of modern society.”

 The report’s recommendations include:

  • Improving access to flexible working through targeted initiatives, particularly in industries where there is currently low uptake.
  • Decreasing gender discrimination and unconscious bias with training and in-house support networks, particularly for working mothers.
  • Increasing access to affordable, quality childcare provision, beginning by initiating a review of childcare provision across Wales to fully understand what is needed to help women back into full time work.
  • Promoting mentorship of emerging leaders to help women achieve the visibility and confidence needed to pursue more senior roles.
  • Providing more support for working fathers to help them take carers leave, alongside increasing paternity leave – this would better reflect modern day care patterns and shared household responsibilities.

According to the report, Government policies play a critical part in shaping workplace equality to support women to excel throughout their careers and life stages. Businesses in Wales want to partner with government at all levels to implement workable solutions that develop female talent and ensure a more inclusive and equitable workforce in Wales, while boosting long term, sustainable growth.

It adds that helping more women to fulfil their potential in leadership roles can have a significant impact on the Welsh economy. It is known that businesses that have more gender diversity on executive teams are also more likely to have above-average profitability. Increased participation of women in the labour market can also help overcome skills and labour shortages, which continue to hold back some businesses’ ability to meet demand.

Dr Lauren Josie Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at USW and research lead for the survey, said: “Workplace resilience and well-being is a key theme in our research here at the South Wales Business School, where our researchers work to develop impactful, research-informed solutions to issues affecting business and society. We are excited to work with CBI Cymru to address the complex challenges affecting its members across the country.

“We’d like to thank all the participants who contributed to the success of this survey. Their insights have been invaluable in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for women in Welsh workplaces.”

Katie Spackman, Associate Director at CBI Cymru, added: “Our research has revealed the many obstacles women in Wales encounter as they strive for leadership roles. By better understanding these challenges and taking meaningful action, we can create a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

“It's crucial that businesses and policymakers collaborate to address these issues, from promoting flexible working arrangements and supporting women with caregiving responsibilities to combating gender discrimination and unconscious bias. By fostering a supportive environment, we can unlock the leadership potential of women and drive innovation and growth in Wales.”