The Global Female Leaders Outlook COVID-19 Special Edition provides insight into the minds of female leaders as the pandemic continues to upend societies, communities and economies. Nearly 700 female leaders across 52 countries were surveyed between September and October 2020 to understand the impact on their professional and personal priorities throughout the pandemic. They see the pandemic as a potential equalizer for a more inclusive workforce. Key findings include:

  • The proliferation of new digital communication and collaboration tools, alongside a growing talent pool afforded by remote working, may be a catalyst for gender equality.
  • Making a positive impact is a top motivator for female leaders around the world. Diversity and inclusion agendas, as well as climate change are top of mind.
  • Female leaders have seen the digital transformation of their businesses accelerating during the pandemic, but there is still room to improve innovation processes and execution.

*This report accompanies the recent KPMG 2020 CEO Outlook COVID-19 Special Edition.

Global Female Leaders Outlook COVID-19 Special Edition

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In an environment where talent risk remains a top priority for CEOs, being inclusive will have a significant positive influence on the success of companies and economies alike.

Leaders who understand this and who are able to drive flexibility, build inclusive cultures and embed a purpose-led, values-driven environment in the post-pandemic world will be more attractive to top female talent; as well as a breadth of other under-represented talent such as those living with disabilities, ethnically diverse communities and those who identify as LGBTQI.


Nhlamu Dlomu
Global Head of People
KPMG International

While it's true that the crisis is having a disproportional effect on women, it also appears that the pandemic may prove to be a catalyst for gender equality over the mid- to long-term.

According to our respondents, the crisis may ultimately create new opportunities for women as a result of improved digital communication, advances in technology and changes in stakeholder expectations.


Angelika Huber-Straßer
Head of Corporates, Head of Automotive, Germany and EMA
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft