Addressing the boardroom gender gap: It is time to give more women the opportunities they deserve

The purpose of this paper is to present the main findings and recommendations from a study into women on boards in the life‐sciences industry.

The paper focuses on such questions as: Does the gender imbalance mirror UK plc and if so, what can be done to improve conditions? Is the life‐sciences industry a more favorable place for women to progress to the most senior positions and do senior managers believe more balanced boards bring a competitive edge?

The paper highlights three major barriers to change: the different work‐life choices facing women; the dominant male culture of the boardroom; and the number of qualified female executives in functions represented on the board.

The paper urges the need to: promote a more empathic business culture and working environment; undertake appropriate and sustained learning and development; and coach female candidates to succeed in the boardroom.

The paper highlights the benefits to society as a whole, as well as to organizations and individual women, of having more females on boards of directors.

The paper argues that executive searchers should: always look for female candidates and ensure that they are brought into the process; scout harder for female talent; and promote the benefits of a mixed board and mentor the business around getting the best mix for their organization.