ILO report finds gap between business equality policies and implementation
A new ILO report draws on a survey of nearly 12,000 enterprises and describes a gap between stated equality policies and practical action.
What the record says
A new International Labour Organization report describes progress in women’s business leadership alongside a gap between equality policies and implementation. Women in Business and Management: Scaling Success was published November 3. According to UN News, its evidence includes a 2025 survey of 11,957 enterprises in 99 countries, earlier surveys, labour-market data and case studies. Nearly 70% of enterprises surveyed in 2025 reported improved business outcomes from gender-equality and diversity initiatives. Although 74.8% reported having a policy or equivalent, the share implementing initiatives was 26.5%, down from 37.4% in 2018, UN News reported. The report calls for stronger leadership pathways, better access to underrepresented roles and attention to unequal care responsibilities and other structural barriers.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read the ILO publication and UN News account for the report’s findings and methods.
Limits and what is not established
These are reported survey findings, not proof that an initiative caused a particular financial result or that the percentages describe every business worldwide.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
International Labour Organization: original information