As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize both our progress and the barriers that persist in advancing women’s careers.
The biggest challenge isn’t just the glass ceiling—it’s the first step up. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women move up. That gap compounds over time, limiting the leadership pipeline and leaving fewer women in executive roles.
The Broken Rung, a new book by McKinsey senior partners, illuminates this critical issue, emphasizing that career growth isn’t just about promotions—it’s about experience capital. Women often miss out on on-the-job learning and leadership opportunities that accelerate careers and impact long-term earnings.
At The Second Shift, we see this play out every day. Talented, mid-career women—many with advanced degrees and executive experience—face systemic challenges that force them out of leadership tracks. That’s why we’re committed to connecting experienced women with high-impact job opportunities that match their expertise and ambitions.
Let’s celebrate progress this month: In 2000, only two Fortune 500 companies had female CEOs. Today, nearly 12% do. But we must do more.
- Advocate for fair promotion practices.
- Mentor women at the start of their leadership journeys.
- Ensure women get access to career-defining opportunities.
- Provide flexible job tracks at different points of the life/ career journey and robust parental leave support.
We have the momentum to keep. Let’s ensure that the ladder to leadership isn’t broken for the next generation.