SHL calls for end to gender bias

"SHL believes that the need to have a day dedicated to women is indicative that there remains an unfathomable disparity between how men and women are perceived as leaders," said Kim Dowdeswell, head of product and research of SHL South Africa.

SHL's 30 years of global talent assessment data shows there is little evidence to suggest that gender makes a difference in workplace performance.

Damaging to neglect one gender pool

"Men and women should be selected for roles on their merit and not gender. Our data has proven that when measured collectively, women and men are just as likely to be able to lead and execute decisions and influence others. Equally they both possess the same capability to adapt and cope with the challenges of a business.

"When businesses recruit or identify talent in their organisations it is potentially damaging to neglect candidates from one gender pool. Ultimately, businesses should ensure that their boardroom dynamics are representative of their employees, customers, communities and their core values - a coalesced workforce helps to achieve this delivering outstanding business results."