Who run the world: Singapore's confident female millennials are gearing up to rule the globe

A new survey debunks myths about women and work.

Singapore’s confident and fiercely ambitious female millennials should be at the top of your mind the next time you hear that catchy tune about girls who run the world.

A new PwC survey released to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on Sunday revealed that Singapore’s female millennials are more financially independent than their global peers.

For instance, 69% of female millennials in the city-state earn equal or more than their partner or spouse, a notch higher than the 66% recorded globally.

A staggering 91% of female millennials in Singapore are part of a dual-career couple, notably higher than the global average of 86%.

However, only 31% of Singapore’s female millennials who believe that they can reach the very top levels with their current employer, lower than the global average of 49%.
When it comes to diversity, an overwhelming 92% of Singapore female millennials surveyed seek out employers with a strong record on diversity, equality and inclusion, versus 86% of their global counterparts.

“Our research shows that when it comes to the female millennial, we really are talking about a new era of female talent. Female millennials are more highly educated and are entering the workforce in larger numbers than any of their previous generations. But, this is not the only thing that has changed. They also enter the workforce with a different career mindset,” said Karen Loon, Diversity Leader, PwC Singapore.

In Singapore, female millennials are least likely to want to work in the Insurance sector (19% vs 13% globally). Interestingly, the Banking & Capital Markets sector in Singapore is viewed as relatively attractive, possibly because there have been less trust issues with banks in Singapore.

Further, the Government (9% vs 14% globally) and Oil & Gas (9% vs 14% globally) sectors have more positive reputations in Singapore for female millennials than their global counterparts.