Decades away from gender parity

While the quest for gender parity in global private markets has made progress in recent years, much remains to be done. According to a study by senior partners Pontus Averstad, Fredrik Dahlqvist, and colleagues, the problem is most acute at the senior levels of private equity firms. At the current rate of progress, reaching gender parity in investing roles at the managing-director level would take more than six decades. Achieving gender parity at the principal level would take more than three decades.

Depending on the level, global gender parity in investing roles may take multiple decades to achieve.

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A circular graphic represents the number of years it will take women to reach gender parity in managerial roles in the investing industry. It is based on the average rate of progress achieved in 2021 and 2022 and on women’s representation as a percentage of total investing roles at each level by the end of 2022. From lowest to highest level, reaching gender parity will take 4 years at entry level, 8 years at associate level, 11 years at vice president level, 35 years at principal level, and 62 years at managing director level.

Footnote: Figures are based on the average progress rate achieved in 2021 and 2022 and on women’s representation as a percentage of total investing roles in each level at the end of 2022. Based on data provided by 66 PE firms. Responses cover more than 60,000 employees.

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To read the report, see “The state of diversity in global private markets: 2023,” August 22, 2023.