GRANT THORNTON REPORT: MORE PINAYS AS LEADERS NOW

THE Philippines saw an increase in the number of women in senior leadership this year, making it the second country with the most female representation in senior management in the world, according to Grant Thornton Women in Business 2026 report.

- BY VG CABUAG

The report said women in senior management roles in the Philippines rose to 44.5 percent this year from 43 percent last year.

South Africa has the highest number of women in leadership roles at 47.3 percent.

Globally, however, the report said senior management positions in businesses held by women was down to 32.9 percent from last year's 34 percent.

"Occasional fluctuations are not unusual on a long-term path to progress. Over the past 22 years, female representation has risen by 13.4 percentage points, even with occasional setbacks like this factored in," it said.

It said based on the trend line, it expects gender parity in leadership to be reached by 2051. "But for this to be achieved, figures will need to rebound quickly. This includes the percentage of businesses who have all-male leadership teams, that increased from 4.1 percent last year to 5.7 percent," it said.