Ratio of women at the management level around 28.5%

In Switzerland, women represent about 28.5% of managers and 24.7% at the Board of Directors level. Ten years ago, the equivalent ratios were lower than this: 24.1% at the management and 20.7% at the Board of Directors levels. The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden boasts the highest proportion of women at the management level, at 31.2%. 

CRIF has examined how the proportion of women in management and in the Boards of Directors of Swiss enterprises has evolved over the past ten years. In 2023, the proportion of women in management was about 28.5%; ten years ago this figure was 24.1%. The proportion of women exercising Board of Directors mandates is lower, and is currently 24.7%, compared with 20.7% in 2013.

The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden boasts the highest proportion of women at the management level

The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden has the highest proportion of female managers, at 31.2%, followed by the Cantons of Aargau (31.0%) and Zürich (30.2).

At the other end of the rankings lies the Canton of Neuchâtel, with a female ratio of 24.6%, behind the Cantons of Zug (25.0%) and Ticino (25.5%).

Basel-Stadt reports the highest ratio at the Board of Directors level

The Canton of Basel-Stadt boasts the highest ratio of women exercising Board of Directors mandates throughout the whole of Switzerland, at 26.6%. This is followed by the Canton of Aargau at 26.1% and the Canton of Zurich, at 25.9%. On the other hand, the Canton of Zug reports the lowest ratio of women on Boards of Directors, at 19.5%.

Major differences between the various sectors

There are clear differences in the number of women in management positions, depending on the sector involved. Women are most strongly represented in veterinary services, at a ratio of 54.7%. An above-average number of women also work at management levels of social services (53.2%) and in the provision of personal services such as hairdressing and beauty salons (51.9%). On the other hand, the lowest female ratios are to be found in sectors involving civil engineering (14.6%), mechanical engineering (15.5%) and energy supply (15.6%).

About the survey process

We have taken into consideration all those people who were listed in the commercial register as Managers or Members of Boards of Directors. We compared 2013 with 2023. The survey was carried out on 11th January 2024.