Companies are under increasing pressure to include more women on their governing boards. Although boardroom diversity is increasing, women remain underrepresented, and progress is slow.

The Bartleby column in the Economist reminds that role models are one of the most fundamental ways to manage these barriers:

Having women at the top of organisations may inspire others to emulate them, and board members may be able push through more female-friendly policies lower down in their organisations. But the vast majority of women would never expect to become directors. What they value is an opportunity to get a well-paid job and to be free from discrimination while doing it.