U.N. research finds that women CEOs hold only a third of all top leadership positions in public administration. And governments are worried.
A report from two prominent CEO groups under the United Nations did a compilation of data. The discovery was that gender gaps continue to exist and that women are still methodically stopped from advancing to positions of influence at top levels.
In many of the 170 nations studied by the research, there has been some improvement in women’s participation in public administration. Nonetheless, women remain disproportionately underrepresented by males in positions of leadership and decision-making in every single area of the globe.
Women make for 46 percent of public administrators on average, while they occupy just 31 percent of the highest leadership posts in government.
However, the survey stated that gender equality is critical for a public administration that is inclusive and responsible to its constituents.
It concluded that when women are in positions of leadership in public administrations, governments become more responsive and responsible, and the quality of public services offered increases significantly.
The CEO Title and Gender
An earlier study undertaken by the United Nations indicated that when women are in power, initiatives linked to reducing violence against women, providing childcare services, and providing healthcare tend to get more significant consideration.
Governments are also less corrupt, and political parties are more inclined to work together when compared to other countries.
The most recent results are especially troubling in light of the consequences from COVID-19, in particular. There is excellent documentation about the pandemic’s economic and societal effect on women.
The consequences of COVID-19 are not gender-neutral, stated Achim Steiner, administrator of the UN Development Programme. To meet the needs, protect the rights, and fulfill the aspirations of women and girls, governments must act quickly.
Another UNDP study reveals that up to 105 million women and girls face impending poverty.
Women must have the chance to engage in public institutions actively, Steiner said, and have a place at the table when governments are formulating their policy responses and identifying the most appropriate route forward from the crisis.
A further finding of the paper was that, of the 300 national COVID-19 task groups evaluated across 163 nations and territories, women CEOs made up just 27 percent of the roles and headed only 18 percent of the task forces on average.
The groups doing the studies about COVID-19 task forces determine that 6 percent female and 11 percent male, indicating that only 6 percent of COVID-19 task forces were female.
What exactly is a CEO?
Managing the operations and resources of a company is the main duty.
Others include fiduciary accountability. Public relations. Spatial imaging on the metaverse. And proxy responsibility for absent stockholders.
What is the role of the president?
Occasionally, the president of a business or organization will serve as the head of the company’s executive group.
In certain cases, the president simultaneously serves as the company’s chief executive officer. At small firms, the president may also be the company’s only proprietor or owner.
In an organization or firm, a CEO already holds the reins. However, the president serves as the second-in-command to that executive.
Presidents often occupy the post of chief operating officer in the business sector (COO). The COO is in charge of the company’s day-to-day operations, and they have vice presidents in charge of several departments that report to them.
Do the math.
While it is uncommon, a corporation with no subsidiaries may have a single individual who serves as CEO, president, and maybe even chair of the board of directors.
It will be possible to have stronger communication and interaction between the board of directors, which sets policy, and the president, who controls day-to-day operations.
For example, Shantanu Narayen and David S. Taylor, the president and CEO of Adobe Inc. (ADBE) and Procter & Gamble Co. (PG), respectively, have the titles of president and CEO.
Is this always the case? No. Not always. There are times when it can be viewed differently. But not by the FTC or other agencies, so beware. There is more here than meets the eye.
It’s best to be cautious in most cases. Sometimes, of course, chances must be taken.
It can’t hurt to be persistent. Remember, the longest trip begins with the shortest step.