International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped women’s rights. Every March 8th, we honour the legacy of the garment workers’ strike, a pivotal event in which women advocated for fair labour conditions and opposed exploitative working practices.
Since then, women around the world have made extraordinary strides in business and leadership, shattering glass ceilings and redefining what’s possible. Yet, the work continues.
At The Ortus Club, we recognise that progress is ongoing. Over the past decade, we have hosted and managed events that bring together diverse voices from across industries and continents. Our commitment has always been clear: Everyone should have a seat at the roundtable.
But as we reflect on this journey, one critical question arises: Where are the women?
Female Attendees: Almost a Decade of Growth
Over the years, we have witnessed a growing number of female attendees at our events. The numbers tell a story of progress but also highlight areas where there is still work to be done:
| Year | Females |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1559 |
| 2023 | 1423 |
| 2022 | 1548 |
| 2021 | 1566 |
| 2020 | 1144 |
| 2019 | 260 |
| 2018 | 326 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2015 | 2 |
The data shows a remarkable surge in 2020. This upsurge in attendance, both female and male, can be attributed to the rapid growth of virtual events and gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, subsequent years show varying levels of progress.
While we see overall growth from 2015 to 2024, the path has not been linear. This does not undermine our continued efforts in tailoring inclusive, knowledge-sharing spaces for everyone. We are making progress, but we must continue to improve and adapt our strategies to ensure consistent growth in female participation.
Female Attendees per Region
* Data gathered from The Ortus Club roundtables held from 2015 to 2024
- North America: 31.3%
- Australia and New Zealand: 27.3%
- Europe, the Middle East and Africa: 26.6%
North America leads in female attendance, representing 31.26% of attendees despite being our second-largest region, with 5,800 total attendees. This suggests that successful gender diversity initiatives translate to high female participation. North America’s strong female presence highlights established networks and a conducive environment for women’s leadership.
This data highlights the importance of continuing to foster inclusive environments across all regions to ensure that the high volume of attendees is also represented by a high percentage of female attendees.
Key Event Sectors Female Guests Attend
Our executive roundtables span a diverse range of industries, providing valuable insights into where women are actively contributing to business dialogues.
Marketing is at the forefront of representing female leadership with 25%, showcasing women’s strong presence in this dynamic field. Public Services follow at 22.8%, indicating substantial influence in community and policy shaping. Non-Profit Organisation Management ranges from 20% to 30%, reflecting significant female involvement in social good. Law Practice demonstrates a 20% female leadership presence. Marketing’s leading percentage underscores women’s success in navigating and excelling within a competitive and creative industry.
The data highlights a strong leadership presence of women across key sectors, with Marketing leading at 25%. This empowers Ortus Club to tailor events, creating platforms that amplify the expertise and interests of female leaders, particularly within marketing. By curating roundtables focusing on cross-industry collaboration, acknowledging diverse strategic perspectives, and highlighting female expertise through thought leadership, we can foster impactful dialogues.
Why is The Ortus Club Doing This? Why Do We Care So Much?
At The Ortus Club, we believe that diverse perspectives are essential for driving innovation and progress. We are committed to our values: We can all belong at the roundtable.
We are committed to continuous improvement. We will continue to analyse our data, listen to our community, and implement initiatives that promote gender diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to ensure that every woman who joins our roundtable feels empowered to share her voice and contribute to meaningful change.
On this International Women’s Day, we strengthen our commitment to building a future where every woman has a seat at the table and her voice is heard. Our responsibility goes beyond ensuring seats for females in the roundtable; The Ortus Club is dedicated to building a roundtable that includes women.
Resources on Female Leadership:
- Global Gender Gap Report 2024, World Economic Forum, 2024
- The global picture: Women in Business 2024, Grant Thornton, 2024
- Forecasting Women in Leadership Positions, UN Women
- Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report, McKinsey & Company, 2024
- The Data on Women Leaders, Pew Research Center, 2023