One-in-seven Irish businesses report having no women in senior management, new research has revealed.

Ireland ranked sixth worst amongst 31 countries surveyed worldwide for businesses with no women in senior management.

New research by Grant Thornton has revealed an increase in the number of businesses without female representation in senior management in Ireland.

The findings in the annual ‘Women in Business Report’ - part of the firm’s mid-market business survey - found that more than one-in-seven (16.3%) businesses had no women in senior management roles.

These findings reflect an upward trend, as they have increased by almost 5% from last year (11.7%).

A further 13.8% of respondents have just one woman on their senior management team.

Female boss leading corporate meeting. Image: Alamy

Despite steady progress in recent years, of those Irish businesses surveyed, just over 36.5% of senior management roles were held by women in 2025.

However, 36.5% is slightly up from 36% in 2024 and Ireland is performing better than the global (34%) and European averages (34.9%).

This report has highlighted that without immediate action, gender parity in senior management roles won't be achieved until 2051.

Over the last decade there has been an upward trajectory and rising percentages of women holding every role that makes up the senior management team.

In 2025, Chief Human Resources Officer (48.8%) and Chief Financial Officer (43.8%) are the most common roles held by women in senior management in Ireland.

Whereas the two least likely roles for women to hold in senior management in 2025 are CEO (6.2%) and Chairperson (2.5%).

Discontented businessman giving out to female employee. Image: Alamy

Commenting on this year’s findings, Grant Thornton Head of Consulting Amanda Ward said that while it is concerning to see this increase from last year in the number of mid-market businesses reporting no women in senior management, it’s important to acknowledge the significant progress made over the past two decades.

“This upcoming weekend will mark “International Women’s Day”, and this research highlights the improvements made while also recognising the steps that still need to be taken to achieve gender parity in the workplace,” she said.

“I would urge business leaders to set bold targets for senior female representation and to support women throughout their career journeys.

“Retaining and developing talent is crucial.

“Targets for mentoring, networking, and retention targets are particularly effective at driving diversity, yet are among the least implemented strategies by businesses.”

Woman working in office. Image: Alamy

Businesses surveyed in this report identified significant benefits to action taken on gender diversity.

Firms see their equality strategies and targets as having positive impacts across a range of business performance areas.

The most frequently cited impact of gender equality strategies is that the strategy at their company has helped create a culture where employees all feel they are treated equally.

Over 37.5% said their equality strategies mean employees feel there is an inclusive work environment.

Almost one-third of businesses surveyed in Ireland think it will only take them one to three years to meet their current gender equality targets, with almost two-in-five claiming they’ve already met them.

Woman working in the office. Image: Alamy