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05 March 2025 / Quick Take
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Copy LinkThe number of women on the boards of US public companies has reached an all-time high. As of 2024, women now hold 29% of Russell 3000 and 34% of S&P 500 board seats—an increase that reflects steady progress but remains below parity. The increase has been driven by regulatory actions, investor expectations, and evolving corporate governance standards.
The record representation of women on boards reflects sustained efforts to increase diversity of thought, better reflect the broader workforce and community, and respond more effectively to market opportunities and challenges. However, the share of newly appointed women directors may be plateauing or even declining. In the Russell 3000, for instance, new female board appointments dropped from 41% in 2020 to 36% in 2024. While this could suggest that progress is slowing because boards are becoming more gender diverse and closer to parity, it could also signal a broader slowdown in diversity efforts as investor and regulatory pressures ease amid rising legal and political scrutiny of corporate DEI practices.
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