Women on ASX boards: what the figures show

Women’s representation on listed-company boards has increased, but a board seat and a chair position are different measures of influence.

Read the date and the index

AICD’s snapshot for 31 January 2026 reported women held 37.6% of ASX 300 director positions and 38% of ASX 200 positions. The ASX 20 figure was 43.8%. It also reported 48 female chairs across the ASX 300 and no female chairs in the ASX 20 at that date. These figures change with appointments and index membership, so do not describe them as permanent.

Three distinctions matter

1. Seats versus people: A director serving on multiple boards can account for multiple seats.
2. Representation versus authority: A chair sets much of the board’s agenda and process; representation in director seats does not automatically mean equal representation as chairs.
3. Listed companies versus all organisations: ASX 300 data does not describe private companies, charities, government bodies or small businesses.

Using the data for a board search

Start with the kind of organisation you can genuinely help. Prepare evidence in finance, strategy, risk or a sector capability. Assess each board’s needs and governance before applying. A diversity target does not reduce a director’s duties or make an underprepared appointment safe.

Primary sources

• AICD: January 2026 Gender Diversity Snapshot
• ASIC: company officeholder obligations