In Switzerland, women represent about 28.5% of managers and 24.7% of board members. Ten years ago, the figures were lower: 24.1% at management level and 20.7% at Board of Director level. The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden boasts the highest proportion of women in management positions, at 31.2%.
CRIF has looked at how the proportion of women in management positions and on the boards of Swiss businesses has evolved over the past ten years. In 2023, the proportion of women in management positions was about 28.5%; ten years ago this figure was 24.1%. The proportion of women sitting on Boards of Directors is lower, and is currently 24.7%, compared with 20.7% in 2013.
The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden boasts the highest proportion of women in management positions
The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden has the highest proportion of female managers, at 31.2%, followed by the Cantons of Aargau (31.0%) and Zürich (30.2).
At the other end of the rankings lies the Canton of Neuchâtel, with a figure of 24.6%, behind the Cantons of Zug (25.0%) and Ticino (25.5%).
Basel-Stadt reports the highest percentage at Board of Director level
The Canton of Basel-Stadt boasts the highest percentage of women sitting on boards throughout the whole of Switzerland, at 26.6%. This is followed by the Canton of Aargau at 26.1% and the Canton of Zurich, at 25.9%. On the other hand, the Canton of Zug reports the lowest percentage of women on Boards of Directors, at 19.5%.
Major differences between the various sectors
There are clear differences in the number of women in management positions, depending on the sector involved. Women are most strongly represented in veterinary services, with a level of 54.7%. An above-average number of women also work at management levels in social services (53.2%) and in the provision of personal services such as hairdressing and beauty (51.9%). On the other hand, the lowest percentages of women are to be found in the civil engineering (14.6%), mechanical engineering (15.5%) and energy supply (15.6%) sectors.
About the survey
We have taken into consideration all those people who were listed in the business register as Managers or Members of Boards of Directors. We compared 2013 with 2023. The survey was carried out on January 11, 2024.
