Is equality here yet?
It’s a big question, and everyone will have their own take on how far we still have to go to reach it.
My friend and fellow WordPress industry leader Francesca Marano and I are amongst a small (but mighty) group of women in leadership roles within the WordPress ecosystem, and it’s a topic we’ve found ourselves discussing more and more frequently over the years.
Our peers continue to be conspicuous by their absence, and so we founded the WP Includes initiative with the goal of supporting women in their journey to leadership in the WordPress ecosystem.
To validate our observations and uncover the underlying reasons for the underrepresentation of women, we wanted concrete data. That’s when we decided to launch the first-ever study on gender equality in WordPress businesses. Today, we are happy to share the results.
Key Findings from the Study
Based on responses from 323 individuals across 90+ WordPress businesses our research uncovered systemic barriers facing women in the industry. From the “glass ceiling” preventing women from reaching senior roles to everyday workplace discrimination, these issues are widespread.
Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles
Women are significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions. Of the 200 companies that pledged to support Five for the Future, only 4% are led by women. The situation is similar with WordPress VIP Agency Partners, where only five out of 69 companies have female leaders. In contrast, 10.4% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs. It’s clear the WordPress ecosystem is lagging behind.
The Broken Rung
The underrepresentation of women is not limited to the top. Our study shows that women face challenges in securing managerial positions, with the vast majority reporting to male managers. This “broken rung” phenomenon makes it even harder for women to climb the career ladder.
An Uneven Playing Field
Our study also revealed significant disparities in how men and women perceive opportunities within their workplaces. While men are more likely to feel supported in career development and paid fairly, women often experience a workplace skewed in favour of men. Nearly half of the women surveyed reported encountering barriers to their success due to their gender.
Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination
The numbers are stark: nearly a quarter of women experience harassment, bullying, or discrimination at work, compared to just 4% of men. Women are also 20 times more likely to have their judgement questioned due to their gender. One in three women do not feel safe speaking out against inappropriate behaviour.
Pathways to Change
We felt it important that the report doesn’t just focus on the issues, but offers actionable steps for companies to create a more inclusive and equal workplace. Here are five key areas of focus:
1. Commit to change
Gender diversity needs to be driven from the top. Leaders must publicly support gender equality initiatives and integrate them into their core values and policies.
2. Get the basics right
Businesses need clear goals and accountability to address gender disparities. Collecting data on hiring, promotion rates, and employee engagement can help track progress and identify areas for improvement.
3. Fix the broken rung
Addressing the broken rung is crucial. Companies should actively sponsor women, offer leadership training, and create opportunities that prepare them for senior roles.
4. Foster an inclusive and respectful culture
A zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination is non-negotiable. Open communication, training, and psychological safety are essential to creating a culture of respect.
5. Offer benefits that support gender equality
Flexible work options, pay transparency, and targeted benefits like parental leave and health support are critical to level the playing field for women in the workplace.
Gender equality isn’t just about fairness—it’s about building better, more innovative workplaces. By addressing the systemic barriers that women face in WordPress businesses, we can create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. Now is the time for businesses to commit to lasting change and actively work towards creating a more inclusive future.
This study is just the beginning. We hope its findings spark discussions and drive meaningful change within the WordPress community, ensuring that the next generation of women have the support they need to succeed.