Is There Equality In Executive Recruitment?

Apparently this article published in The Guardian in December 2012 suggests NOT http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/12/research-lack-women-executive-roles. Despite having cracked many equality barriers it appears women have still not managed to smash through the senior management recruitment ceiling.

A Guardian article of 11th April 2013 refers to a recent Cranfield School of Management study, which would appear to highlight that the gender gap at senior levels is still an issue http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/apr/11/every-woman-boardroom-pull-more-up . 

In the article Karen Brady is quoted as saying:

"Every woman in the boardroom must pull others up behind her"

Sadly I feel this is not common practice. It is also a bit of a chicken and egg situation - more women are needed at senior levels to help nurture new female talent of the future. At the One Stop Career Shop http://www.onestopcareershop.co.uk/Career-Coaching.php I regularly encounter female clients who are struggling to gain that executive promotion, despite having all the requisite skills. I see them becoming more despondent and disillusioned with their employers and ultimately they look to move on to pastures new. Surely this can't be a good thing?

What can be done?
I firmly believe that quotas are not the way to go - they are artificial and create resentment. True equality should be gained on merit. What is needed is for employers to recognise the value of a varied skill set at executive level and for them to create a working environment where this is allowed to flourish. Only that way will women achieve senior promotions. 
I am myself a manager in a blue-chip organisation and I think we all have a role to play in developing those who work for us, male or female. 

Karen Brady - an inspirational female executive, we just need more!  Photo attributed to johnmuk