First Quarter 2024 Key Findings
Our latest report, in collaboration with our Exclusive Data Partner Equilar, as of March 31, 2024, highlights concerning trends in U.S. corporate boardrooms. Analysis of the Russell 3000 shows women hold only 29.7% of board seats, with a minimal 0.3% increase from the previous quarter and 0.8% from the previous year. Only 30.7% of the 587 new board positions are filled by women, the lowest percentage since 2017. Despite some sector and regional improvements, 41% of companies still have boards with two or fewer women. Women of color hold nearly 8% of board seats, a slight increase. At this rate, achieving gender parity on boards and 20% women of color representation will not happen until 2045. The report calls for renewed commitment to dismantle barriers to equitable representation in corporate governance.
of board seats are held by women.
of board appointments were women, marking the lowest percentage in five years.
of newly filled seats by women were seats added to boards.
Our state-level data reports on the percentage of women on boards and gender-balanced publicly traded company boards. California continues to lead with 33.9% women on boards and 23.1% gender-balanced companies, while states like Florida, Nevada, and Utah with more than 20 public companies located in the state, have the fewest women on boards.
50/50 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index ™ reports on the gender composition of corporate boards on the Russell 3000 Index. Using the data provided by our Exclusive Data Partner Equilar, we analyze, track, and publish data on our website in our Gender Diversity Directory. This report reflects data as of December 31, 2025, with 2,878 active companies on the Russell 3000 Index.
Advocate: Highlight and share your expertise for boards.
Invest: Request employer-funded programs to advance your board journey.
Network: Volunteer, join non-profit boards, attend events, and outreach to your contacts to ensure they are aware of the board opportunity you are seeking.
Be Intentional: Leverage our GDI directory to narrow down your board search.
Advocate: Highlight and share your expertise for boards.
Invest: Request employer-funded programs to advance your board journey.
Network: Volunteer, join non-profit boards, attend events, and outreach to your contacts to ensure they are aware of the board opportunity you are seeking.
Be Intentional: Leverage our GDI directory to narrow down your board search.
Advocate: Highlight and share your expertise for boards.
Invest: Request employer-funded programs to advance your board journey.
Network: Volunteer, join non-profit boards, attend events, and outreach to your contacts to ensure they are aware of the board opportunity you are seeking.
Be Intentional: Leverage our GDI directory to narrow down your board search.
