Just 24% of leadership C-suite level positions in Irish corporates are held by women compared to around a third globally, new data compiled by LinkedIn shows.
The Global Gender Gap Report finds female representation increases slightly to 42% at managerial level.
While at entry level it rises to 46%.
The biggest gap in female participation in leadership was apparent in retail, where females made up just 32% of the highest positions, despite holding 51% of all the jobs.
Wellness and fitness was the next worst sectoral performer, followed by healthcare, real estate and consumer goods.
The data also shows that of 34 countries reviewed, when it comes to promotion Ireland has the third lowest gap in probability for men to be internally promoted to senior positions in an organisation.
Men were 15% more likely to be promoted internally to leadership positions in Ireland last year than women were.
This compares to an 81% greater chance for men in the Czech Republic and a 69% higher possibility in the Netherlands.
The evidence is the latest to suggest that further action is required to help equalise workplaces not only here in Ireland but globally.
"The pandemic hit working women harder than men, as traditional gender roles took hold and female-dominated sectors bore the brunt of lockdowns," said Sue Duke, Head of Global Public Policy at LinkedIn.
"The serious lack of women in leadership positions continues to be a real problem, yet data shows that male colleagues are far more likely to be promoted into leadership roles."
"While the data is deeply concerning, it points to where progress can be made."
LinkedIn says steps like more inclusive and fair hiring practices can help, along with internal mobility programmes.
It also recommends more flexible working and the removal of bias from job descriptions.
Including women on interview panels also can help it claims.
