CRIF has examined how the proportion of women in management and in the Boards of Directors of Swiss enterprises has evolved over the past ten years. In 2022, the proportion of women in management was about 27.8%; ten years ago this figure was 23.8%. The proportion of women exercising Board of Director mandates is currently 23.9%, compared with 20.5% in 2012.
The Canton of Aargau boasts the highest proportion of women at the management level
The Canton of Aargau has the highest proportion of female managers, at 30.5%, followed by the Cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden (29.7%) and Thurgau (29.6%). The economically strong Canton of Zurich reports a female ratio of 29.1%.
At the other end of the rankings is the Canton of Neuchâtel, with a female ratio of 23.8%, behind the Cantons of Zug (24.5%), Valais (24.6%), Freiburg (24.9%) and Ticino (25.2%).
Basel-Stadt reports the highest ratio at the Board of Director level
The Canton of Basel-Stadt boasts the highest ratio of women exercising Board mandates throughout the whole of Switzerland, at 25.5%. This is followed by the Canton of Aargau at 25.3% and the Canton of Zurich, at 24.9%. On the other hand, the Canton of Zug reports the lowest ratio of women on Boards of Directors, at 18.9%.
Major differences between the various sectors
There are clear differences in the level of women in management positions, depending on the sector involved. Women are most strongly represented in veterinary services, at 53.2%. An above-average number of women also work at the management levels in social services (51.8%) and in the provision of personal services, such as hairdressing and cosmetics salons (51.4%). On the other hand, the lowest female ratios are to be found in the sectors involving civil engineering (13.8%), energy supply (14.0%) and mechanical engineering (14.6%).
About the survey process
We have taken into consideration all those people who were listed in the commercial register as Managers or Members of the Board of Directors. We compared the years 2012 and 2022. The survey was carried out on 12th January 2023.
The complete study can be obtained at presse.ch@crif.com
