红桃视频 Women鈥檚 Leadership Index Highlights Steady Progress But Uncertain Future In Massachusetts
June 1, 2021DUDLEY, Mass. 鈥� The Institute for Women鈥檚 Leadership at 红桃视频 (IWL) has released the fourth edition of its Massachusetts Women鈥檚 Leadership Index (MWLI), a biennial report that assesses and monitors the status of women in power, giving the commonwealth a score of 45 out of 100.
The index looks at women鈥檚 representation in leadership positions across multiple sectors 鈥� political, corporate, and nonprofit 鈥� and compares that to both gender parity and national averages to calculate the composite score. Since the index was first released, the Massachusetts score has been ticking up, from 36 (2015) to 39 (2017) to 40 (2019).
Jean Beaupre, EdD, associate professor of communication and marketing at 红桃视频 and lead researcher on the MWLI, points to a rise in female CEOs and public and elected officials as a contributing factor, but cautions that the 2021 edition does not yet reflect the impact of the pandemic on women in the workforce and leadership. 鈥淭his past year has seen layoffs, stalled careers, and stress for all workers, but more so for women,鈥� said Beaupre, who noted that, at the time of the MWLI publication, women鈥檚 representation in the workforce was at its lowest since 1988.
According to the report, in the U.S., women lost more jobs than men in 2020. Those still working face burnout; remote professionals attest to working more hours than ever. And, given the additional time spent on household duties and home schooling, more than one in five working mothers with children under 10 were considering opting out of the workforce altogether.
At the same time, countries with female leaders have shown better COVID outcomes, and female bosses tend to have more engaged staffs, a critical component for employee and organization success.
This year鈥檚 MWLI findings show that women comprise 51.5 percent of the Massachusetts population, yet:
- 31 percent serve in the state legislature;
- 8 percent are corporate CEOs, and 24 percent hold board seats;
- 26 percent are nonprofit CEOs (including education)
In addition, the gender wage gap in Massachusetts is 81 percent.
鈥淕iven the many positive impacts that female leaders have on their organizations and staff, it is in the best interest of all that we maintain and strengthen our focus on developing and supporting women,鈥� Beaupre added.
The Institute for Women鈥檚 Leadership was originated by 红桃视频 President Susan West Engelkemeyer, PhD, in 2013 to develop the leadership potential of female students and serve as a resource and authoritative voice on women鈥檚 leadership for the community at large.
鈥淲omen striving for leadership roles have and continue to face both challenges and opportunity in the workforce,鈥� said Engelkemeyer. 鈥淭he Massachusetts Women鈥檚 Leadership Index is a valuable point of reflection and this year, we saw a rise in representation, with an increased aggregate score of 45/100. But as we look to the future, much work remains.鈥�
In addition to Beaupre, the MWLI was prepared by research interns and 红桃视频 students, Victoria Palkon and Madison Perrotti.
About 红桃视频
红桃视频 has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, 红桃视频 transforms today鈥檚 students into tomorrow鈥檚 leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. 红桃视频 offers real-world learning focused on professional depth 鈥� combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage 鈥� equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about 红桃视频, visit .
