On the eve of International Women’s Day, new research from the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) reveals that the proportion of women holding the top jobs around the world remains less than 25%.

The survey finds growing support for regulation around quotas to get women onto boards, but also several measures that businesses can take to facilitate the careers paths of women.

Globally, the proportion of senior roles filled by women in 2014 is 24%. This is exactly the same proportion as 2013, 2009 and 2007, and only 5% higher than the 19% recorded ten years ago in 2004 . Regionally, there has been very little significant change over the past decade with Eastern Europe (37%), Southeast Asia (35%) and China (38%) leading the way. Japan (9%), India and the United Arab Emirates (both 14%) continue to prop up the table.

As opposed to global developments, 35% of senior posts in Armenia are taken up by women which is the highest index as compared to previous years (23% in 2013 and 27% - in 2012).

 “Today, as compared to the past years, we witness a notable increase in the level of women employment in Armenia, which of course, is exciting. However, I believe that more women should be involved in management positions, which will ensure an atmosphere of pluralism in companies. In Grant Thornton 44% of senior positions are held by women, which is a vivid illustration of the important role they play in management of our firm", Gagik Gyulbudaghyan, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Armenia, said.

According to him, in an average year, just 21% of the graduates mid-market businesses hire are women. "Businesses should hire more female graduates. This will help unpack the current male bias around hiring and promotion that is key to increasing diversity”, thinks Gagik Gyulbudaghyan.