A World Of Difference
The issue of diversity and inclusion at the top of executive committees is a global one. And while there continues to be a world of difference in the equality issues that each global region faces, the lack of women at the top continues to be a major issue in all regions. And the gender gap is at its starkest in some of the most surprising places.
In the EMEA region, women continue to be under-represented: among the largest publicly listed companies in the European Union in 2020, only 19.3% of executives and 7.9% of CEOs are women.
There are similar problems in The Americas. In the Fortune 500 – the biggest 500 companies in the US – for every woman CEO there are 13 men CEOs. And in Canada, women hold only 43 of the 538 named executive officer roles in the top 100 companies in 2020. That’s FEWER women at the top than in 2019. And in APAC, too. In Australia, women are a lot less likely to make it to the Group Executive Committee level: from holding 30% of executive management roles, only 17.1% make it to the top. India, Japan and South Korea have major issues too: they are the three worst countries in the world for women holding management roles (8% and lower).
It is within this global sphere that WeQual developed its mission by discovering hidden talent, showcasing the best women and encouraging and helping global businesses develop their talent programmes to build a better business world.
Unqualified Success
WeQual has already recorded some remarkable successes since its launch in the UK in 2019. Finalists across all three major regions have already been appointed to the Group Executive Committee.
Finalists are automatically inaugurated into the WeQual Members Club, which is fast becoming one of the most influential women business leaders’ networks in the world. Check out the WeQual blog for all Members on the Move.
WeQual gives our members (120 and rising) And so many more are being given the opportunity to showcase their talents for executive positions across the world.
Identifying Talent
The Awards are at the heart of our search to find the talented women that should be our global business leaders.
Potential candidates identified by our researchers are encouraged to apply and then they are asked to carry out a comprehensive questionnaire designed to shine a light on the core skills required for effective leadership: The questions provide deep insight into Leadership Approach, Cognitive Ability, How you lead others, Drive and Resilience, Integrity, Mindset and Agility, Emotional intelligence, Approach to equality and Knowledge of the business.
Opens May 10, 2021
Entries close September 3, 2021
The finalists will have a 1-1 call with a WeQual Executive Judge between October 11-22, 2021
The 24 finalists are announced the week commencing December 10, 2021
WeQual Winners are announced the week commencing January 26, 2022
EMEA Qualifying Criteria
To enter, you must be a woman who – at the date of entry submission – is a direct report into an executive committee member: eIther your line manager is an executive committee member, or you report into an executive committee member in some or all aspects of your role. The company you work for should be listed on one of the major stock exchanges in Europe, Middle East & Africa.
The EMEA Awards 2021 also include all UK companies listed in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250.
The Assessment Process – 8 Questions
The application form has eight assessment questions. These have been derived from leadership, psychology, neuroscience and performance research to identify the necessary factors and characteristics of top leaders. The questions will showcase your strengths regardless of style, gender or ethnicity.
The questions provide deep insight into your:
Leadership Approach | Cognitive Ability | How you lead others | Drive and Resilience | Integrity | Mindset and Agility | Emotional intelligence | Approach to equality | Knowledge of the business.
Finals – Judges Interview
The 24 entries in 8 categories that make it through to the final stages will be interviewed by one of our Global Executive judges.
