Gender equality moving backwards for female executives

Progress on gender equality at the executive level has stalled, according to an annual census. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

The number of women leading Australia's largest companies is declining, as senior female executives report growing opposition to gender equality in their organisations.

For the first time in a decade, Chief Executive Women's (CEW) 2026 senior executive census of ASX-listed companies found women's share of leadership roles was down from the previous year.