Women in business - Potential wasted

It seems strange that in 2013 we are still talking about equal opportunities for women in business.

A survey by Grant Thornton to mark International Women’s Day today shows that just 21% of senior management positions in Ireland are filled by women.

This suggests a society not maximising its potential, a culture not as accommodating as it might ideally be for women who wish to have progressive, challenging careers.

Our society is comfortable with the idea of women, in most cases, staying at home to look after home and family but even this traditional acceptance cannot explain why only a fifth of senior positions are held by women. Society would benefit from a more balanced ratio and we should do much more to realise it.