Business Case for Diversity

Corporate boards across the world have traditionally been male dominated. A growing body of international research shows that the presence of women on boards and in business leadership can have a measurable impact on the management, financial, and social performance of companies. McKinsey’s latest 2023 report, Diversity Matters Even More, reinforces this business case with compelling data. Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 15% more likely to achieve above-average profitability than those in the bottom quartile. Furthermore, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their industry medians in terms of profitability.

In regional findings, a 10% increase in gender diversity on senior executive teams in the UK is associated with a 3.5% rise in EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes), while in the US, a similar increase in racial and ethnic diversity correlates with a 0.8% rise in EBIT. These figures clearly establish that diversity is not just about representation—it is a strategic driver of performance and innovation.

Sustainable Development Goal 5 calls for gender equality as a foundation for peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. In line with this, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure frameworks globally emphasize gender equality to ensure the long-term sustainability of organizations, economies, and the world. To optimize results, leadership must embed inclusive practices into their management strategies and governance structures—harnessing diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cross-cultural collaboration to thrive in a competitive global landscape.

What is Women for Board Allies Initiative?

Diversity Hub-HR Metrics is leading the “Women for Board Allies” initiative. It focuses on encouraging women to aspire for board roles and impart a sense of what it takes to get there.

It is distinct from Directors Training Program (DTP), which focuses on the knowledge and skills for member board of directors. Diversity Hub’s mission is to empower women by raising awareness regarding social and economic benefits of gender diversity at board level, identify high potential women, connect, and refer them for board director and leadership roles.

our goals

Our purpose is to provide a platform, project “top of mind” awareness and encourage women to aspire for Board leadership positions through a transparent process for eligibility and selection for inclusion in the Women Leaders’ Directory.

Directory of Women Leaders for Board

Launched in 2022 with the support of 25 prominent CEOs, directors, and business leaders, the first edition of the Women Leaders for Board Directory marked a pivotal step toward recognizing and promoting accomplished women for board leadership. The inaugural event, hosted in the Boardroom of National Bank of Pakistan, featured 40 women with diverse experience, ready to take on strategic board roles.

The second edition added 31 more distinguished women leaders with demonstrated excellence in C-suite or board-level roles across sectors. This was followed by the third edition with 20 women and the fourth edition featuring 38 exceptional professionals—each selected for their impact, expertise, and leadership potential.

Together, these four editions laid the foundation for what has now evolved into a dynamic, fully digitized e-portal, showcasing 130+ professionally vetted profiles of board-ready women leaders from across Pakistan.

The Women for Board Allies e-portal enables real-time updates, deeper visibility, and direct access for corporate secretaries and board recruiters to discover high-potential women talent. It continues to serve as a platform for networking, mentorship, board-readiness, and strategic placement, empowering women and advancing Pakistan’s journey toward inclusive leadership.

Join Our Community: Women for Board Allies e-Portal

Eligibility Criteria

Possess professional skills relating to leadership, governance, profit and loss responsibility, board exposure, management experience and mentoring.
Skills can include specialty experiences like e-commerce, digital/technology, human resources, M&A, and marketing.
Senior women with professional credentials from all sectors of business, industry, academia, and the civil society having at least 15 years of work experience.
Women already serving in C-Suite roles and/or on boards and Pakistani women having international experience.

Women Leaders for Board Directory – Registration & Approval Process

To ensure a smooth and structured approach for listing women leaders in the Women Leaders for Board Directory , HR Metrics has transitioned to a digital e-portal for profile submissions, reviews, and approvals. The updated process consists of the following key phases:

Phase 1: Awareness & Call for Submissions (April 1 – April 30, 2025)

HR Metrics will communicate the call for submissions through newsletters, emails, and social media, inviting women leaders to register on the Women for Board Allies e-Portal.
Women who wish to be featured in the Directory must register on the e-portal as candidates.

Phase 2: Registration & Profile Completion (1 April – 30 June 2025)

Upon registering, candidates will receive a confirmation email acknowledging their registration.
Candidates must log in, complete all 9 sections of their profile, and submit it for review.
Profiles must be fully completed before submission to move to the next stage.

Phase 3: Review & Approval (Ongoing after Submission)

The Admin Team will conduct an internal review within 5 working days to ensure all sections are properly completed.
If any information is missing or requires updates, candidates will be notified to revise and resubmit.
Once complete, the profile will be assigned to a Steering Committee reviewer for final approval.
This step will take up to 14 working days.

Please note: Submission of a profile does not confirm it will go live on the e-portal. Only approved profiles are made live.

Phase 4: Live Profiles on E-Portal

Approved profiles are made live on the Women for Board Allies e-portal and are accessible to board decision-makers and corporate secretaries seeking diverse leadership.

Selection Criteria

The Applicant meets board director criteria, prescribed by SECP Code of Corporate Governance. https://kkconsultant.net/regulations-for-selection-of-independent-directors-in-secp/
Candidate is a graduate from an HEC recognized university and/or is a member of a recognized professional body.
Has at least 15 years of work experience, of which, 3 years should be in C-Suite position.
Full names and email IDs of two references.

The Steering Committee will assure of the bonafides by reviewing the overall credentials of the candidate. If more than one member has any reservation on the credentials, the case may be deferred pending further review or rejected.
Approved profiles will be considered for final publishing in the Directory by HR Metrics.