In 2018, Kantar Public came together with Women Political Leaders to create The Reykjavík Index for Leadership – the world’s first measure of society’s perceptions of women and men’s suitability to lead.
Initially measured for the G7 group of countries, it provided the evidence and documentation of the extent of prejudice towards female leaders across government, politics, and business. Four years on, The Reykjavík Index has demonstrated that women are significantly and conclusively constrained in their journeys to leadership by societal prejudice.
Now established as the international ‘go to’ for policy makers, The Reykjavík Index for Leadership 2021/22 is the largest yet – reflecting the views of more than 35,000 people, across both the G7 and G20 nations, as well as Iceland, Poland, and Spain.
Whilst the Index demonstrates that societal values towards equality are not progressing, it does none the less provide us with some reasons for optimism. This year, included for the first time, is Iceland, who have moved straight to the top of the Index. Iceland is close to ‘gender neutral’ in its perceptions of leadership. It provides evidence for what is possible, and an example to learn from.
The Reykjavík Index for Leadership reminds us that perceptions are critical. We ask government, business, and civil society to use this evidence to support action as we work to create a society where we all have an equal opportunity to serve through leadership.
What is the Reykjavík Index for Leadership?
Executive summary
The G20+ Reykjavik Index for Leadership 2021/2022
The G7 Reykjavík Index for Leadership: evolution of the over time
Methodology
Previous reports
