Study Claims Women More Likely to Lead Secular Non-Profits than Evangelical

Sociologists Amy Reynolds and Janel Curry have released the results of a study on women in charity leadership roles. The findings suggest that women leaders are more prominent in secular non-profits than evangelical ones.

According to the study, women in evangelical charities represent 23 percent of “paid leaders,” 21 percent of boards and 16 percent of “top leaders,” reports Christianity Today. Secular nonprofits had a larger representation, with 43 percent of board members being women and 40 percent of CEOs.

“While this is not surprising, it is important to address. This isn’t just about the people in top leadership positions -- this is about those who are the top paid leaders, and it’s true about the board,” Reynolds said.

The study also determined that women were more likely to serve in leadership roles of small nonprofits with lower budgets. Women were also more dominant in social services, education and youth ministries positions. Rates of women were lower in the ministry and higher education division.

The research was based on over 1,000 Christian charities.

Publication date: May 30, 2014