CRIF has examined how the proportion of women in management and on the Boards of Directors of Swiss companies 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 holding Board of Director positions is currently 23.9%, compared with 20.5% in 2012.
The Canton of Aargau boasts the highest proportion of women at 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 figure of 29.1%.
At the other end of the rankings is the Canton of Neuchâtel, with women holding 23.8% of management positions, behind the Cantons of Zug (24.5%), Valais (24.6%), Freiburg (24.9%) and Ticino (25.2%).
Basel-Stadt reports the highest percentage at a Board of Director level
The Canton of Basel-Stadt has the highest proportion of women holding Board positions 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 proportion of women on Boards of Directors, at 18.9%.
Significant differences between 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 management levels in social services (51.8%) and in the provision of personal services, such as hairdressing and health & beauty (51.4%). On the other hand, the lowest percentages of women are found in the civil engineering (13.8%), energy supply (14.0%) and mechanical engineering (14.6%) sectors.
About the survey
We have taken into consideration all those people who were listed in the business register as Managers or Members of the Board of Directors. We compared the figures from 2012 and 2022. The survey was carried out on January 12, 2023.
The complete study can be requested by writing to presse.ch@crif.com
