Institutions worldwide must confront a stark reality: women’s trust is faltering.
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that globally no single institution, from government and business to media and NGOs, currently enjoys the trust of women. In fact, women now distrust institutions, on average, in 2x more countries than men, with double-digit gaps in several nations.
But this divide extends beyond institutions. It’s also about optimism for the future. Across every generation, women globally are much less optimistic than men. Only 24% of women age 60 or older and 39% of Gen Z women believe the next generation will be better off compared to today.
So, how do organizations mitigate the gender trust gap?
The data provides a clear call to action for leaders to deepen their understanding of grievances that institutional failures have caused. That requires intentional curiosity, and the ability to ask uncomfortable questions and not assume to understand the realities and perspectives of stakeholders.
The starting point for transformation is simple: listen first.
Host open forums, town halls, or digital platforms specifically for women to share their experiences. Elevate women into leadership roles across all sectors, not just symbolically but with real decision-making authority.
From there, look for ways to collaborate with other institutions to drive results that are measurable, inclusive, and sustainable. Invest in issues that disproportionately affect women, such as caregiving, reproductive health, flexible work, safety, and economic mobility. Tap into the local community to nurture a culture of civility that will help to rebuild trust that has been lost.
Regardless of where you stand, this moment is critical. Rebuilding trust won’t happen overnight; it necessitates sustained commitment and ongoing action. Let’s strive to create institutions that truly reflect, respect, and serve everyone.
These findings were presented by Edelman and the International Women’s Forum (IWF) at IWF’s World Leadership Conference in Seattle. IWF is a global organization that connects 8,500 members in 35 countries with the goal of advancing women’s leadership. Learn more about IWF here.
