Good News, Bad News: Key Insights on Women in the Workplace

As we navigate a rapidly evolving workplace, women’s leadership in global development is not just a goal—it’s essential.

McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report offers both good news and persistent challenges.

These findings resonate deeply with the WILD Network ’s commitment to using data to advance impactful and inclusive leadership practices to address the world's most complex problems.

Good News

1. Women’s Ambition Is Rising: 81% of women at the director level aspire to move up, a significant increase from 70% in 2019. Among women under 30, 91% aim for promotions, with 75% seeking senior leadership roles.

2. Gains at Senior Levels: Women are making strides at the VP and senior VP levels. Targeted leadership programs are helping to close the gap, albeit slowly.

3.Flexible Work Benefits: Flexible work arrangements are critical, with 21% of women stating that flexibility has allowed them to remain in the workforce or prevent a reduction in hours. This flexibility supports retention and innovation by embracing diverse perspectives.

Challenges Remain

1. The Broken Rung: For every 100 men promoted from entry-level to manager, only 87 women are promoted. This gap is even worse for women of color, where only 73 are promoted for every 100 men.
2. Microaggressions Impact Women: Women, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ women, are twice as likely to face microaggressions compared to men. These subtle interactions erode confidence, contributing to stress and burnout.

3. Pipeline Disparities: While White women may reach leadership parity in the next 22 years, it could take twice as long for women of color.

Looking ahead

By addressing ambition, fixing the broken rung, fostering inclusivity, and championing flexibility, we can drive sustainable leadership opportunities for women worldwide.

Upcoming WILD Network Events

1. Women of Color: Build your community & advance your career program – Kicks off Sept 27 | Virtual Learn more
2. Next Chapter Accelerator: 6-Month Leadership Program – November 2024 to April 2025 | Virtual Learn more
3. 2025 Women’s Global Leadership Forums: Delegation Leader’s Knowledge Sharing Workshop – February 05, 2025 | Virtual Learn more
4. 2025 Women’s Global Leadership Forum: Aiming High Symposium | In-person in Washington DC – May 07, 2025 | In-person Washington DC Learn more
5. 2025 Online Women’s Global Leadership Forum (serving people live in their workday in 25 time zones) – May 13 – 15, 2025 | Learn more