Recent studies indicate a concerning trend in Germany: the proportion of women holding leadership roles in companies is on the decline. This shift is evident across various sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), municipal companies, and the logistics industry.
In 2025, women led approximately 16% of SMEs, a slight increase from 14.3% in 2024. However, the overall share of women in leadership positions within these companies decreased to 34.3% from 35.6% the previous year. This suggests that while more women are at the helm of SMEs, their representation in broader leadership roles is diminishing.
The logistics sector presents a more pronounced disparity. A study by Hof University of Applied Sciences found that women occupy only about 19% of leadership positions in this field, compared to 29% across all industries in Germany. Factors contributing to this imbalance include rigid working models, male-dominated corporate cultures, and insufficient work-life balance.
Municipal companies have also seen a decline in female leadership appointments. A recent study revealed that the percentage of women newly appointed to executive positions dropped from 30.7% to 23.9% compared to the previous year. This trend underscores the challenges women face in ascending to top management roles within public enterprises.
These developments highlight the persistent gender disparities in corporate leadership across Germany. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies, including flexible leadership models, improved work-life balance, and targeted development programs to support and promote women in leadership roles.