2.4.7 Leaky pipeline

The ‘leaky pipeline’ argument explains that there are no or not enough qualified women in the pipeline to fulfill top positions1 and/or that women leak out of the pipeline too early.2 Having more women in the pipeline is positively related to the number of female board members.3 Although the leaky pipeline argument provides a reason why women are underrepresented, it does not explain why it is a barrier.