'Women on Boards in Ireland 2015,' a report released by the Institute of Directors, has found that awareness of the importance of gender diversity on boards in Ireland has improved in recent years, however, women have become increasingly reluctant to put themselves forward for board positions and continue to encounter barriers in accessing the boardroom due to ‘male dominated’ boards and a lack of contacts.
The research was carried out exclusively among women members of the Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD) earlier this month, following a similar survey conducted in 2013.
The research shows that 82% say awareness of importance of gender diversity has improved in Ireland, over 1 in 2 women claim gender diversity on boards is improving generally and 13% say there is an increase in level of priority placed on gender diversity in the boardroom.
However, 27% of women say a ‘glass ceiling’ exists in certain sectors, up 9% since 2013.
Furthermore, 50% claim that gender diversity is a medium or high priority for their board while 91% feel equal in the boardroom. Asked about the current representation of women at board level, the majority (59%) say that women account for between 11% - 40% of directors on their board.
Chief Executive of Institute of Directors in Ireland, Maura Quinn said, "The wide-ranging debate and increased focus on the topic in recent years is likely to have influenced an improved level of awareness of the importance of gender diversity on boards.
However, women continue to feel locked out of the boardroom due to a lack of access to the same networks and information as men and the ‘who you know’ culture of board appointments continues to prevail.
Women have become increasingly reluctant to go forward for board positions which is very concerning and legacy issues, coupled with interlocking directorships and a sense of disenchantment about the appointment process, appear to be playing a part in this."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
