Odoxa Study: “Women and Risk-Taking”

Key Takeaways from the Odoxa Study “Women and Risk-Taking”

The 2024 Economic Barometer, conducted by Odoxa for Challenges magazine, chose to focus on the issue of women’s confidence. The editorial team at the “Un Une” network has selected the key takeaways for you.

Women are less confident about the future than men…

30% of men view the future of France’s economic situation with confidence. Only 18% of women say they are somewhat confident.

… But very confident in the benefits of gender diversity

Although women are generally less confident about the future, they are nevertheless convinced that the future will be brighter if there is greater gender diversity in the workplace: 78% believe that gender parity leads to greater efficiency. Seventy-two percent of men agree with them on this point.

However, the majority of both women and men do not believe this is because women are more competent. Three-quarters of them believe that women are just as competent. What adds value is not people’s gender, but gender diversity!

Gender inequality undermines women’s sense of confidence

Six out of 10 French people (65% of women and 54% of men) believe that gender inequalities in the workplace persist. The perception that these inequalities are persistent is strongest when it comes to pay gaps and access to leadership positions.

For women, this situation can undermine their sense of confidence in their workplace. You immediately feel more at ease when you have assurances that you’ll be treated fairly!

More boldness for women, more parenting for men, more gender equality for everyone

Eighty-five percent of French people believe that companies should take action to encourage women to become more confident… But 84% also believe that these same companies should encourage men to take a more active role in parenting so that mothers are less likely to have to sacrifice their careers when they have children.

And if it takes a little push to achieve equality, the French are ready for it: 71% support the implementation of strict gender parity!

Dare to Take Risks

But keep in mind that gender parity within organizations does not mean we can stop taking bold action on an individual level. 89% of women and 87% of men believe that to succeed, you have to be willing to take risks. However, significantly fewer women (39%) than men (47%) dare to take them.

For 62% of those who don’t dare to apply, it’s due to a lack of self-confidence. But 35% have reason to regret it, because they say that in the end, a less qualified man ended up getting the job they were aiming for!

Conclusion: Gender parity is a matter of systemic trust

Data from the 2024 Odoxa Barometer indicate that trust is not merely a matter of female or male psychology, but that it simultaneously calls into question organizations’ ability to instill confidence in women, men’s willingness to share power at work and household chores, and women’s commitment to the principle of the right to ambition. In short, gender parity is a systemic issue that requires simultaneous action at the levels of individuals, teams, companies, and society.