Compliance and gender diversity: How effective training can combat gender prejudice at the corporate top

The year is 2024, and the presence of women in leadership positions remains a global challenge. It’s hard to swallow. Despite making strides in some areas, the numbers show that the path to the corporate top is still fraught with structural barriers, many of them tied to gender bias. In Brazil, the situation is no different, with only 7.1% of companies listed on B3 being led by women in 2023. This scenario is alarming and requires a systemic response for real transformation. This is where the importance of compliance programs focused on promoting diversity and inclusion comes into play. Did you know they exist?

The Role of Compliance in Promoting Gender Equality

Compliance isn’t just about adhering to laws or regulations; it’s about fostering an organizational culture built on ethics and fairness. Regarding gender diversity, a well-structured compliance program must go beyond preventing explicit discrimination. It must address the subtle yet powerful cultural barriers that still prevent women from ascending to leadership positions, such as the stereotype that women are "too emotional" or less suited for positions of power.

A central point that is often overlooked is the impact that ongoing compliance training can have in changing these perceptions within companies. Such training isn’t just a rehearsed speech about following rules, but about transforming attitudes and behaviors. After all, gender prejudice is often perpetuated unconsciously, making education and awareness essential.

Compliance Training as a Tool for Cultural Change

An effective compliance program should include regular training, particularly for leadership, that addresses gender diversity issues and raises awareness about unconscious biases. Studies show that most managers believe they are making objective decisions when, in fact, many are still based on stereotypes. Breaking down these ideas is a process, and training is one of the most effective tools for achieving it.

In addition to addressing legal issues, such as anti-harassment laws or equal pay, these training sessions should include discussions about the competitive advantages of having a diverse leadership team. Companies with greater gender diversity in executive roles show better financial results and more balanced risk management, as numerous studies have pointed out.

The Importance of Committed Leadership

For compliance training to reach its full potential, it’s essential that company leadership is genuinely engaged with diversity and inclusion policies. This means that CEOs and directors cannot simply "sign off" on these initiatives; they need to lead by example, actively participate in training, and foster a culture of accountability.

Leadership statements, like the controversial comment from Marcos Norato — "God forbid, a woman CEO" — are more than unfortunate remarks. They signal that companies still have much work to do in deconstructing machismo and creating fairer corporate environments. Companies whose leadership does not genuinely support gender equality tend to see their compliance initiatives fail, as organizational culture is largely shaped from the top down.

Practical Compliance Measures to Prevent Discrimination and Harassment

In addition to awareness training, it is essential for companies to implement practical measures to ensure discriminatory and prejudiced behaviors are eliminated. This includes creating anonymous reporting channels, continuously reviewing promotion and hiring policies to ensure they are merit-based, and introducing gender quotas in administrative boards, a measure that has already been successfully adopted in countries like Norway.

These actions can be complemented by mentorship programs aimed at women in mid-career positions, preparing them for future leadership roles. Programs like these are crucial to breaking the cycle of exclusion that still prevails in many corporations.

The Positive Impact of Gender Diversity on Results

Finally, it’s important to remember that promoting gender equity in leadership is not just a matter of social justice, but also of business competitiveness. Companies with diverse leadership are not only more innovative, but they also have more balanced risk management, leading to better long-term financial performance. The example of companies that have adopted inclusive practices and are reaping positive results reinforces that gender diversity is a strategic investment.

Compliance training focused on gender diversity is a powerful tool for transforming the corporate environment and ensuring that machismo, whether explicit or veiled, has no place in organizations. Promoting an inclusive culture, where women have the same opportunities to rise to leadership positions, is not only an ethical matter but also a crucial step for the success of companies in an increasingly globalized and competitive world.

With robust policies, effective training, and committed leadership, we can move toward a truly equal corporate environment, where women CEOs are not the exception but the norm.