There were 34.5 per cent women on ASX 200 boards and 33 per cent women on ASX 300 boards at the end of February 2022.
However, there are still 66 ASX 200 boards and 127 ASX 300 boards that haven't reached 30 per cent.
This time last year ten companies in the ASX 200 reached the 30 per cent threshold in the first three months of 2021, taking the overall number to 123.
By comparison, it has taken 12 months for that figure to rise to 134, indicating a slowing down of boards achieving the minimum 30 per cent representation threshold.
Number of ASX 200 boards with 30% women or more
| Feb 19 |
Feb 20 |
Feb 21 |
Feb 22 |
|
| ASX 200 |
89 |
100 |
123 |
134 |
| ASX 300 |
109 |
120 |
162 |
174 |
AICD CEO and Managing Director, Angus Armour said, "It's welcome to see the overall figure of women representation rise on the ASX 200 to 34.5 per cent, the highest level of gender diversity to date.
"But there is still work to do, with 66 boards with less than 30 per cent. We are encouraging them to make gender diversity a priority in board renewal."
The AICD's most recent Director Sentiment Index indicates that boards are well aware of this challenge, with 51 per cent of directors indicating that they are seeking a greater balance of gender on their board.
30% Club Australia Chair, Nicola Wakefield Evans was also encouraged by the new data, saying, "Women account for around 42 per cent of ASX 200 board appointments so far this year, which is encouraging, and we hope to see it climb to 50 per cent.
"Approaching diversity through a gender lens is an effective means of boards accessing a broader talent pool and a greater range of skills and capabilities."
As part of the AICD's on-going commitment to board diversity this month the Institute welcomed 46 accomplished women as the next cohort for the Chair's Mentoring Program.
The Chair's Mentoring Program has long been the cornerstone of the AICD's diversity program. Since its launch in 2010, 343 mentees have participated in the program, many of whom now sit on Australia's most prominent boards.
The AICD encourages all organisations to embrace a 40:40:20 model of board gender diversity, where boards have at least 40 per cent women directors and 40 per cent men directors, as good practice.
