Men still hold most business leadership positions and the insurance industry is among the worst when it comes to putting women in senior roles, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Data from 2013/14 shows the sectors with the highest proportion of female CEOs are healthcare and social assistance (37%), education and training (36%), and administrative and support services (21%).

At the other end of the spectrum are mining (3%) and financial and insurance services (4%).

Carl Piesse, Business Director at recruiter Hays, told insuranceNEWS.com.au the insurance industry must do more to attract and retain women.

“Definitely there are women in the insurance sector with the skills and experience to reach the top of the industry, but not enough is being done to encourage women to move into those positions.

“The industry needs to do more to promote the benefits of a career in insurance, including stability, defined career paths and the rewards of knowing that insurance has such a positive role in the community and the economy.”

Mr Piesse says there must be a commitment at management and executive levels to encourage more women into leadership roles, plus formal policies and processes.

“Gender diversity doesn’t just happen. A company needs supportive management, flexible work conditions, transparent career paths and a culture where female employees are supported and encouraged to make it into senior roles.

“It’s not a quick fix and for a lot of insurance organisations it will be a big culture shock, but it’s something that needs to be on their agenda.”

The bureau’s Gender Indicators Australia report says across all industry groups just 17% of CEOs, 24% of board members and 26% of key management personnel are women.