First Quarter 2026 Key Findings
In collaboration with our Exclusive Data Partner, Equilar, as of Q1 2026, women hold 29.9% of Russell 3000 company board seats, slipping below the 30% threshold reached in prior quarters and down from the Q1 2025 peak of 30.4%. The index included 2,843 active companies and 26,077 board seats.
Board composition changed by 241 seats during the quarter. Women gained 138 seats and lost 83, for a net increase of 55 seats. Men gained 404 seats and lost 218, for a net increase of 186 seats. While women continued to gain seats, men accounted for 77.2% of the change in board composition, underscoring that progress remains uneven.
Notably, 86.2% of seats gained by women were newly added board seats, while only 13.8% came from replacing male directors. This reinforces a consistent trend: women’s gains continue to rely more heavily on expansion than on intentional board refreshment.
of Russell 3000 board seats are held by women.
of board composition change went to women.
of seats gained by women were newly added board seats.
Among states with a significant Russell 3000 presence, Minnesota and Washington continued to lead, with women holding 34% and 33.7% of board seats, respectively.
California, one of the largest markets in the index, reported 32.4% women on boards in Q1 2026, slightly below 32.6% in Q4 2025 but still above the national average. Colorado reported 28.8% women on boards.
Several states remained below the national benchmark, including Nevada at 23.9%, Oklahoma at 24.4%, and North Carolina at 26.6%. These gaps reinforce that national progress depends on stronger board renewal practices across local markets.
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.
