KUALA LUMPUR (March 12): The percentage of women in top leadership positions has decreased, according to the latest Grant Thornton Women in Business report.

Women's representation in senior management dropped from 40.4% in 2023 to 39.6% in 2024 and further to 36.2% in 2025 among a sample of 86 businesses in Malaysia.

At the same time, the number of businesses with no female representation in senior management has increased sharply, rising from 2.8% in 2024 to 9.3% in 2025.

It was found that fewer women held chief financial officer and chief operating officer roles while more women were chief human resource officers (57%) and chief marketing officers (36%).

Despite some positive developments, women's advancement in leadership remains uneven.

Only 16% of women are CEOs or managing directors, below the global average of 21.7%.

The report, however, noted that external pressure from clients, investors, and regulators is pushing businesses to focus on gender balance, with 70.9% of businesses being urged to do so.

The most potent pressure for change comes from potential new investors (32.6%) partner organisations (31.4%) and potential clients (29.1%).

The pressure to increase gender diversity is showing results, with 55.7% of businesses reporting an increase in women in senior management positions.

The Women in Business report highlights that leaders of mid-market businesses recognise various benefits of gender diversity, including better decision-making, innovation, financial performance, and a positive company culture.

Businesses with gender equality targets and strategies have created more inclusive environments, with 29.1% of employees feeling the workplace supports diversity. Additionally, 27.9% feel they are treated equally and 25.6% believe gender equality strategies have enhanced innovation within the firm.