–If we're ever going to stop the systemic exclusion of women, women must not only be part of the conversation, but also must be equally represented in key leadership and decision-making positions.
Studies support this. A 2016 study by the Rockefeller Foundation found that having women in leadership positions would significantly help attract a more diverse workforce, and a case study by Status of Women Canada found that companies with women on their boards were better able to attract and retain excellent employees. That study also found that, “Women are drawn to companies that already have women on their boards, because they see opportunities to advance”. However, while it's important for women to be equally represented on boards, we must stress that it is not an adequate way to address the issue of gender inequality in and of itself.