Grant Thornton's Global Head of public policy and external affairs, April Mackenzie, says the percentage of women in such roles was down to 20 percent, from 24 percent in 2009.

 

"It was really disappointing to see that the infrastructure hasn't been put in place to allow women to take more senior management positions."

 

She says the financial crisis may have played a role in pushing down the numbers, as well as some women dropping out of the workforce to become entrepreneurs.Developing countries are at the top of the board when it comes to women in executive leadership positions.Thailand leads the way at 45 per cent, followed by Georgia and Russia.

 

At the other end of the spectrum is Japan, at just 8 per cent.

 

"Many developing countries have the family infrastructure where grandparents are often available for childcare, there's access to,there's also access to cheaper, generally, relatively speaking,cheaper childcare than those in developed."

 

Claire Knight is the Regional Human Interest Director for Saatchi & Saatchi X in London, responsible for Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. While she's successfully climbed the corporate ladder, she says it wasn't always easy.

 

"Initially, it's a definite struggle, when you first enter into a company. I didn't have that at Saatchi X but I've had that previously, especially in some very male dominated industries such as manufacturing and telecommunications. And you very much have to prove your seat at that table."

 

But it's companies without female executives which April Mackenzie says will suffer.

 

"I think they're missing out on the management and board tables reflecting the population, reflecting the demographic of the world, reflecting the customer. They're also missing out on a different way of thinking, a different perspective, a different approach."

 

And there's hope there will be more women in top positions, as the global economic recovery continues.

 

Kirsty Basset,Reuters.