As gender equity scholars, the moment is ripe for us to delve into research that illustrates the state of working women today. November, at the 2024 HBS Women’s Leadership Summit, Nobel Prize winner Professor Claudia Goldin presented her research on how the women’s movement in the United States led to today’s economic and financial freedoms. This look at the past gave us necessary insight into the forces that brought us to this moment, and what we can learn in order to continue our struggle toward an equitable world. [...]

Our faculty co-chair emerita, Robin J. Ely, has researched gender and work for over 40 years, and has facilitated broad research projects to examine how women and the workplace have shaped each other across several decades. Knowing that HBS women are ambitious, talented, and highly successful, her longitudinal study of HBS alumni shows us how systemic inequality can still affect women, even when there is underlying parity in education and skill. [...]

In recent years, waves of far-right belief systems have emerged from the margins and captured large segments of mainstream thought. In the United States and around the world, media geared toward both men and women are calling for a return to “traditional “ gender roles. So, what factors might contribute to these shifts in attitude? HBS Professor Paula Rettl brings us a new examination of the social and political effects of what she calls the “feminization of labor markets.” [...]

Joining a corporate board can mean making a lasting impact on companies of the future. Getting your first board seat, however, can be a challenge. The Race, Gender & Equity Initiative’s Board Diversity Network (BDN) hosted three alumni events this fall to demystify the process, particularly for women and people of color who continue to be underrepresented on corporate boards. The three events featured advice from seasoned HBS alumni on how to land a corporate board seat—including ideal skills for aspiring directors, the importance of relationships in seeking leadership opportunities, and, lastly, navigating current and future board challenges. Read on for recaps of each event. [...]

However your path to the boardroom looks, landing a seat usually takes time. Relationships, in particular, are key. The Board Diversity Network (BDN), a program of the HBS Race, Gender & Equity and Initiative, recently hosted “The Future of the Board Room” with BDN steering committee members Nisha Kumar (MBA 1995) and Kris Pederson (MBA 1991), who shared insights and recommendations for BDN members navigating their board journey. Read on for advice from Kumar, Pederson, and other alumni experts on what to consider in order to land your first board seat. [...]