Diversity is a big word in leadership these days.  While the topic of skills diversity sometimes raises its head, it’s gender diversity that should be the topic on the table at your next board meeting.

A 2012 report on gender diversity in the community sector says “In a sector where women comprise up to 85% of the workforce, women make up 51.4% of the board directors among organisations who responded to the survey. This compares favourably against the gender composition of both public and the private sector boards.

However, women are less likely to be in the formal office bearer positions than men – the percentage never rises above 50%, meaning that over half of all formal positions reported are still held by men (only 44% of boards surveyed had a woman as a President; 37% as a Vice President; 31% as Treasurer; and 35% as Secretary).”

While the figures have altered slightly since 2012, there has not been enough change that we can stop talking about the topic.

The AICD says that:

NFPs are often seen as the ‘soft alternative’ to traditional business. Does that make them more appealing to women, or a more suitable place for them to sit on the board?

We need women to take up roles on our boards because they bring a different set of skills and a different way of looking at life. Their unique perspective has helped businesses to grow and prosper. Surely we could do with the same in the NFP sector.

If you are a women and you would like to sit on the board of a not for profit organisation (or any organisation, come to that) take a look at “Being Board Ready: A Guide for Women” which is available from the Western Australian government. It will help you find and win a position whether or not you have experience.