ASX 200 women in executive leadership roles decline for first time in a decade

The proportion of women on ASX 200 executive leadership teams has fallen to 31%, down from 32%, marking the first decline in a decade of tracking. Data from the tenth Chief Executive Women (CEW) Senior Executive Census reveals that the number of ASX 300 companies with no women on their executive teams has increased from 17 to 25.

CEO appointments for women have also seen a decrease, with women receiving one in seven appointments this year compared to one in four in 2025. Projections suggest that gender parity in ASX 200 executive teams may not be reached until approximately 2043, while parity for CEO roles is estimated to occur around 2085.

A survey of senior women leaders conducted by CEW indicates a growing resistance to gender equity initiatives. Approximately 32% of respondents reported observing greater opposition to gender equity than support within their organizations over the past 12 months. CEW President Helen Conway AO noted that hard-won gains can no longer be taken for granted, while CEO Lisa Annese AM stated that gender equity is being recast as a question of merit and is losing resources.