Jakarta. According to Grant Thornton's "Women in Business" report, the global percentage of women in senior management roles has increased from 19.4 percent to 33.5 percent over the past two decades, but progress has been slow, with only a 1.1 percent increase from last year. Grant Thornton predicts that at this rate, gender equality will not be achieved until 2053.

Consultant firm Grant Thornton releases its annual "Women in Business Report" in conjunction with Kartini Day. Kartini Day, celebrated every April 21st, commemorates Raden Ajeng Kartini's advocacy for women's rights and empowerment in Indonesia. It serves as a reminder of Kartini's achievements and calls for continued advocacy for gender equality.

"Increasing the number of women in senior management positions cannot be effectively achieved by senior female leaders alone. Collaboration with senior male leaders is needed to implement policies and design this DEI strategy," said Johanna Gani, CEO of Grant Thornton Indonesia, in a statement on Saturday.

Indonesia ranks 10th globally, with 37 percent of women in senior management positions this year, compared to 39 percent last year, representing a 2-point decrease. However, this percentage still exceeds the global average of 33 percent.

The report highlights that the senior management position most held by women is Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at 67 percent, followed by Human Resource Director at 40 percent and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at 36 percent. The top three countries with the highest percentage of women in senior management positions this year are the Philippines (43 percent), South Africa (42 percent), and Thailand (41 percent).

Based on these findings, Grant Thornton has identified three strategies for businesses to accelerate progress toward gender equality in senior management:

1. Developing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Division: Leadership and responsibility for DEI is crucial for increasing the number of women in senior roles. When C-level management, regardless of gender, leads alongside a senior female leader, the percentage of women in senior management rises to 39 percent.
2. Implementing Measurable DEI Strategies: Businesses need independent DEI strategies, separate from other corporate sustainability strategies. Clear benchmarks are essential for success.
3. Flexible Working: There has been a shift in working patterns, with 47 percent of companies now preferring work from office (WFO) and 45 percent adopting a hybrid model. However, companies with full WFO show a decrease in the number of women in senior management positions, falling below the global standard.