Women in the Economy

Women matter: making the breakthrough
report

Women Matter: Making the breakthrough

March 2012–Many companies are making serious efforts to improve the number of women in top jobs. Some detect progress. But others say change is frustratingly slow. This report looks at what companies can do to make a breakthrough.more

report

Unlocking the full potential of women at work

May 2012–Our latest research, produced for the Wall Street Journal’s Task Force for Women in the Economy, identifies the ways in which organizations are advancing female executives—and the barriers that remain.more

video

Achieving the promise of women executives

May 2012–McKinsey partners Joanna Barsh, Sandrine Devillard, Emily Lawson, and Jin Wang recount the progress women have made in reaching the executive suite.more

Editor's choice

Changing companies minds about women
article | McKinsey Quarterly

Changing companies’ minds about women

September 2011—Leaders who are serious about getting more women into senior management need a hard-edged approach to overcome the invisible barriers holding them back.more

How women can contribute more to the US economy
report

How women can contribute more to the US economy

April 2011—The ability to retain and promote more women middle managers is a key point of leverage.more

The global gender agenda
article | McKinsey Quarterly

The global gender agenda

November 2012—Women continue to be underrepresented at senior-management levels in Asia, Europe, and North America. McKinsey research suggests some answers.more

Women and leadership Learning from the social sector
interview

Women and leadership: Learning from the social sector

March 2009—Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen Fund, shares lessons in leadership from her work in venture philanthropy.more

  • includes:
    •  
How centered leaders achieve extraordinary resultscollection

Centered leadership

October 2010—Executives can thrive at work and in life by adopting a leadership model that revolves around finding their strengths and connecting with others.

The challenge of hiring and retaining women An interview with the head of HR at eBay
interview | McKinsey Quarterly

The challenge of hiring and retaining women: An interview with the head of HR at eBay

September 2008—Beth Axelrod discusses how companies can do better at hiring, retaining, and promoting women.more

Moving women to the top McKinsey Global Survey results
survey

Moving women to the top: McKinsey Global Survey results

October 2010—A majority of executives believe gender diversity in leadership is linked to better financial performance, but companies take few actions to support women in the workforce.more

How helping women helps business
article | McKinsey Quarterly

How helping women helps business

January 2010—Companies whose social investments focus on women in developing economies help not only the recipients but also themselves.more

Stay connected

About this content

The material on this page draws on the research and experience of McKinsey consultants and other sources. To learn more about our expertise, please visit the Organization Practice.