We explore the key role of women in Human Resources and how their leadership drives equality and organizational well-being.
Every November 19th, the International Women's Entrepreneurship Day reminds us of the importance of recognizing and supporting women who, through entrepreneurship, generate value and transform the global economic landscape. However, the visibility of women in leadership roles goes beyond their entrepreneurial role: more and more women are leaving a significant mark on Human Resources (HR) management, pioneering inclusive practices and creating more equitable organizational cultures. This article explores how female leadership in HR not only promotes gender equality but also drives development and well-being within companies.
Female entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, from difficulties in accessing financing to the enormous problem of the gender gap. According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), In 2021, only 351% of startups worldwide were led by women, a figure that reflects the road still to be traveled in terms of equity and support for women in entrepreneurship. This is not only an act of social justice, but also has measurable economic impacts. According to data from the European Institute for Gender Equality, gender equality in entrepreneurship could increase the European Union's GDP by up to 10% .
However, the impact of female entrepreneurs is not limited solely to the creation of new businesses; their leadership inspires future generations and paves the way for innovation in other areas, such as talent management and human resources, areas where women have proven to be particularly influential.
In Human Resources management, women play a fundamental role. Historically, this area has been one of the sectors in which women have been most integrated, but in recent decades there has been a shift toward leadership and management positions. According to a study by Grant Thornton, 43% of HR management roles globally are held by women, making this department one of the most gender-equitable within companies
This leadership in Human Resources has driven changes toward more inclusive organizational cultures focused on talent development. The gender perspective provides a unique perspective on people management, promoting diversity policies and facilitating environments where every employee can fully develop. Furthermore, women in HR are behind many equality initiatives, from the development of work-life balance policies to the creation of mentoring programs that empower other women within the organization.
Women's leadership in HR is not just a matter of representation; it also provides clear and measurable benefits for companies, as companies with a high representation of women in leadership positions are 21% more likely to have financial performance above the industry average. In the HR context, increasing the proportion of women in strategic roles contributes to:
- Developing inclusive policies: Women in HR leadership often promote policies that benefit the entire workforce, from maternity and paternity leave to flexible working hours. These policies not only help retain talent but also improve the work environment.
- Promoting talent development: Women in HR tend to prioritize training and development programs, investing in the professional growth of employees. International Labour Organization (ILO) has highlighted that companies with gender equality policies report higher rates of satisfaction and talent retention.
- Boosting Diversity and Innovation: HR teams led by women tend to be more committed to diversity, creating a work environment where everyone feels respected and valued. This diversity is key to innovation, as diverse teams are more likely to generate creative ideas and effective solutions to challenges.
- Improving organizational culture: HR leaders often implement wellness programs that address the emotional and psychological needs of their employees, resulting in a healthier and more productive work environment.
The data speaks for itself. The International Labor Organization (ILO) reported that only 291% of senior corporate positions are held by women, which highlights the importance of continuing to work on female representation at the leadership level. However, in areas such as Human Resources, female leadership is increasingly stronger, and the results are tangible. Companies with women in executive roles in HR experience higher levels of talent retention and increased job satisfaction among employees.
That's why highlighting female entrepreneurs in Human Resources management is key to building more inclusive and equitable organizations. Women leaders in HR are shaping the future of work, promoting practices that benefit not only the organization but also its employees. Supporting these women, both in entrepreneurship and in senior HR positions, is an investment in the well-being and growth of companies in the 21st century. On this International Women in Entrepreneurship Day, recognizing their impact and leadership is the first step toward a more fair and inclusive world of work.
If you are interested in training and developing professionally in the field of human resources, you can find out about our Master in HR: People Management, Talent Development and Labor Management.
