You’ve heard the toxic stereotype: women at the top don’t help other women because they’re jealous. Finally, a major study has set the record straight.
In this post we break it down and show you how to spot companies that truly support equality (or how to build one yourself).
Not Queen Bees — Just Trying to Survive
Ever wonder why some senior women empower others and some don’t?
PhD student Sofie Wiersma and her team analysed the careers of 1,808 top female executives from 1,177 large companies in 42 countries. Published in May 2025, the research found:
Women who get real support early in their careers go on to support other women once they reach the top. (source)
So much for the “queen bee” myth. The truth? When organisations only allow one or two token women to succeed, women are forced into competition — not out of jealousy, but to protect their own hard-earned careers.
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| One World by Geralt from Pixabay |
I believe this applies to everyone who is marginalised. Most of us want to lift others up. But we need the freedom to do it without risking everything we’ve built.
So how do you find (or create) a workplace that supports everyone properly?
What Real Empowerment Looks Like
Some companies shout “diversity!” while pointing to one woman on the board and quietly shutting the rest out.
Also? Many male executives think discrimination is over. It’s not.
Demand Hard Data
Good companies track and publish gender stats — from junior roles to C-suite — including progress, setbacks, and specific goals.
See: 2022 study by Dr Michelle Ryan
Pay and Promotion Audits Matter
Men are often promoted for potential. Women have to prove themselves first. Pay gaps also persist.
Good companies do pay audits, ensure equal pay, and publish transparent promotion criteria.
See: 2023 study led by Dr Leanne S. Son Hing
They Understand Intersectionality
All women face bias — but age, race, class, sexuality, and more compound it.
Example: Asian women are often stereotyped as “sweet” — not great if you're a leader.
Strong companies acknowledge this and tailor interventions.
See: Meta-analysis led by Dr Andrea Tricco
Quick Checklist: Research Before You Apply
- Read annual reports: gender stats, pay gap, and progress on goals
- Review parental leave, flexible work, and anti-discrimination policies
- Look at leadership: if the C-suite isn’t diverse, that’s a red flag
- Check Glassdoor and LinkedIn for honest employee insights
- See if their clients and suppliers reflect their stated values
That’s it for today. If you want another read, I suggest How To Be Happy At Work - When You Don’t Like Your Job
