Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Reverse?
A Look at the Impact of Political Shifts on Gender and Racial Equity in the US and Beyond
The shift in US policy under the Trump administration has reverberated across the Atlantic, influencing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts not only in the US but also in the UK and Europe. As we witness a troubling slowdown in gender diversity, particularly in corporate boardrooms, we must ask, are we moving forward or backward in our fight for true equality?
In the US, recent data shows a stark decline in women’s representation in senior roles. In 2024, women accounted for just 37% of new board appointments at S&P 500 companies, a drop from 41% the year before. This marks a reversal of the gains made during the early years of Trump’s first term. For Black women and women of colour (WOC), these setbacks are compounded by deeply entrenched structural inequalities.
In the UK, women of colour continue to face lower employment rates and slower career progression. According to recent reports from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, Black and ethnic minority women are still 12% less likely to be employed compared to their White counterparts, with Black women in particular experiencing a higher level of long-term unemployment.
Key Themes Emerging
Backlash Against DEI Initiatives
Both in the US and the UK, there is a growing pushback against DEI efforts. In the US, the rollback of key diversity regulations under the Trump administration has stunted progress, making it more challenging for marginalised groups, especially Black women, to rise in the corporate world. Similarly, in the UK, despite efforts like the Davies Review and the Parker Review to increase diversity on boards, recent political changes and societal shifts have made companies less inclined to prioritise diversity.
Legal and Political Shifts Impacting Diversity
In the US, the rise of conservative lawsuits and regulatory changes have directly impacted gender diversity on boards and in executive leadership positions. In Europe, similar challenges are emerging, with some countries seeing setbacks in gender parity due to conservative political shifts and increased pressure from nationalist groups. In the UK, companies are under increasing scrutiny for their diversity efforts, with a recent study showing that 36% of UK companies failed to meet the target of having 33% female representation on their boards.
Black Women’s Career Progression in the UK and US
Black women are disproportionately affected by both the rise in unemployment rates in the US and the stagnation of career progress in the UK. Black women in the UK earn 23% less than their White female counterparts and data shows that Black women are more likely to be employed in low-wage sectors such as healthcare and hospitality. In the US, the unemployment rate for Black women is now 6%, compared to 3% for White women. This reflects a broader trend of systemic inequality that is harder to overcome, especially during times of political and economic turbulence.
The Gender Pay Gap Remains Stagnant
Despite narrowing the gender pay gap globally, women especially women of colour are still far from achieving pay equality. In the UK, the gender pay gap for all women stands at 15.5%, but for Black and Asian women, it’s significantly higher. In the US, women make $0.83 for every dollar earned by men, with Black women earning just $0.64 for every dollar earned by White men. These figures underscore the ongoing challenge of addressing pay inequity, which remains largely unaddressed as DEI initiatives face increasing opposition.
The Need for Continued Advocacy and Action
It is clear that without sustained action, we risk sliding backward. From the US to the UK, political and legal pressures are curtailing the progress made by women of colour in the workplace. Black women and women of colour have long been at the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination and their success or failure will be a critical barometer for the future of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In Europe, countries like France and Germany are grappling with similar challenges, as progress on gender equality stagnates amidst political resistance.
What More Needs to Be Done?
We must recognise that the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion is an ongoing battle one that requires continued advocacy and concrete action. As the political environment in the US and Europe becomes more hostile to DEI efforts, we must push harder to maintain and expand protections for marginalised groups.
Companies, leaders and governments need to recommit to closing the pay gap, improving representation and dismantling the structural barriers that prevent Black women and women of colour from thriving in the workplace.
Like, comment and share this post to raise awareness about the challenges women of colour face in the workforce. How can we combat the recent backlash against DEI efforts and continue to push for systemic change? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going.
