Promising progress made on gender target

AICD’s latest quarterly Gender Diversity Progress Report shows that the target to achieve 30 per cent female representation on ASX 200 boards can be met by the end of 2018 – but only if current appointment rates are maintained.

Encouraging results on the progress to reaching 30 per cent women on boards by 2018 have emerged from the AICD’s latest Gender Diversity Progress Report, with the number of companies with at least 30 per cent female directors now at 53. This has increased by two since the last quarter, and from only 38 companies this time last year.

For the Report released for the period June to August 2016, the AICD engaged global consulting firm, Mercer to examine the appointment rates of women to ASX 200 boards, its current trajectory and whether the target will be met by the proposed 2018 deadline.

The research found that based on the 12 months to June 2016, the 30 per cent target would be met by the end of 2018. This marks the first time that the ambitious target of 30% female representation on boards has appeared achievable since it was first set by the AICD in early 2015.

The yearly average appointment rate has climbed since last year and has steadily been increasing since 2013.

However, one key message rings clear: maintaining momentum is key to achieving the target. The yearly average appointment rate currently sits at 30.9 per cent, however should this drop to below 25 per cent, the target will unlikely be achieved.

Download the Gender Diversity Progress Report to get access to the latest research on appointment rates by Mercer, the full list of ASX companies and the number of women they have on their boards and articles from Diane Smith-Gander FAICD, President, Chief Executive Women, Kevin McCann AM FAICD, Male Champion of Change, Katie Lahey AM MAICD, Executive Chairman, Korn Ferry and more.

Download 30% by 2018: Gender Diversity Progress Report