US Companies Nix Career Programs for Women Amid DEI Backslide

Amid a DEI backlash in corporate America, employers are cutting programs meant to boost the careers of women and grow the pipeline of female workers, with the pullback especially sharp for programs supporting women of color.

Only 37% of companies surveyed by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Co. now say they have formal mentorship programs for women, down from 39% a year ago and 48% in 2022. The number of firms reporting they have recruiting and internship efforts focused on female workers also fell.

Large companies including Mastercard Inc. and Cigna Group are reaffirming commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion ...