CRIF has examined how the proportion of women in management and on the boards of Swiss enterprises has evolved over the past ten years. In 2024, the proportion of women in management was about 28.4%; ten years ago this figure was still just 25.5%. The proportion of women exercising Board of Directors mandates is lower; this figure is currently 24.7% compared with 21.9% in 2014.
The Cantons of Aargau and Basel-Land boast the highest proportion of women in management
The Cantons of Aargau and Basel-Land have the highest proportion of female managers, at 29.9%, followed by the Canton of Zurich (29.8%) and the Cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Thurgau (29.7%). At the other end of the rankings lies the Canton of Freiburg, with a female ratio of 25.5%, , behind the Cantons of Zug (25.6%), Neuchâtel (25.9%) and Ticino (26.6%).
The strongest growth in the number of female managers over the past ten years has been in the Cantons of Valais (+5.1%), Basel-Land (+4.6%) and Basel-Stadt (+4.6%).
Basel-Stadt reports the highest ratio at board level
The Canton of Basel-Stadt boasts the highest ratio of women exercising Board of Directors mandates anywhere in Switzerland, at 26.4%. This is followed by the Canton of Aargau at 26.0 % and the Canton of Zurich, at 25.9%. On the other hand, the Canton of Zug reports the lowest ratio of women on the board, at 19.5%.
Major differences between different sectors
There are significant differences in the proportion of women in management positions, depending on the sector involved. Women are most strongly represented in veterinary services, at a ratio of 55.2%. An above-average number of women also work at management levels of social services (53.3%) and in the provision of personal services, such as hairdressing and beauty salons (51.4%). On the other hand, the lowest female ratios are to be found in civil engineering (11.5%), mechanical engineering (14.8%) and construction (15.2%).
Sectors exhibiting the strongest growth
The highest percentage rise in the number of women in management roles was reported in broadcasting organisations (+11.5%), social services (+9.4%) and the manufacture of chemical products (+8.9%). In the case of appointments to the board, broadcasting (+10.6%), the fabrication of leather, leather products and shoes (+9.7%), the manufacture of food products (+8.3%) and veterinary services (+8.2%) experienced the strongest growth.
About the survey process
We have taken into consideration all those people who were listed in the commercial register as Managers or Members of Boards of Directors. We compared 2014 with 2024. The survey was carried out on 7 February 2024.
