This survey of more than 1,000 Australian executives finds that they still do not believe there is an equal opportunity for women to be selected for leadership positions. The survey shows that companies can take three measures to close the gap - and create a stronger talent pipeline.

Three main factors are blocking the path to gender balance:

• Not enough visible, committed leadership
• Unintended cultural barriers
• Under investment in sustained change management

This is the first in a series of gender parity surveys by global management consulting firm Bain & Company and Chief Executive Women.