Diversity Statistics
Addressing the Gaps Locally and Globally
Black people and POC remain underrepresented in leadership across media, entertainment, and sports. At D.I.M.E.S., we address these disparities locally and globally, driving awareness, accountability, and advocacy to create real change and equitable opportunities.
The Illusion of Inclusion
The Reality
Black people and POC remain underrepresented in leadership across media, entertainment, and sports in the Netherlands and Benelux. Black-owned and POC-led businesses face limited opportunities for major projects, perpetuating inequality.
Progress for women and LGBTQIA+ individuals often overshadows the systemic exclusion of Black people and POC in leadership.
True diversity requires addressing inequities across all communities while acknowledging the unique challenges faced by underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, ensuring authentic inclusion in decision-making and leadership roles.
The Problem in the Benelux
While the Dutch and Belgian population is increasingly diverse, leadership roles across key industries remain overwhelmingly homogenous. Here are the serious gaps in representation:
Media & Journalism:
- Only 3% of journalists in major Dutch news outlets have a non-Western background (source).
- Representation of Black professionals in Dutch television broadcast leadership is almost nonexistent (source).
Sports Organizations:
- Leadership roles in Dutch sports federations are disproportionately white, with no Black professionals at the executive level (source).
- Despite the contributions of Black athletes, they remain absent in decision-making positions (source).
Entertainment Industry:
- Record labels and live event organizations show little to no diversity in their leadership (source).
- Creative decision-makers, such as directors and producers, are rarely Black or POC (source).
Corporate Leadership:
- Fewer than 2% of executives in the top 250 Dutch and Belgian companies are Black or from other non-Western backgrounds (source).
The Global Picture: International Diversity Statistics
The issue of underrepresentation extends far beyond the Netherlands. Globally, the numbers reveal systemic barriers to leadership for Black professionals and POC:
- Media Representation:
- Corporate Leadership:
- Sports Leadership:
- Across major European sports organizations, fewer than 4% of leadership roles are held by Black professionals (source).
- Creative Industries:
- A 2023 report revealed that 92% of top-grossing film directors worldwide were white, with less than 5% Black representation (source).
Why These Stats Matter
- Representation Drives Progress: Industries lacking diversity in leadership miss out on innovative ideas and perspectives that reflect the world’s complexity.
- Cultural Disconnect: Media and entertainment failing to authentically represent Black communities perpetuate stereotypes and exclude key audiences.
- Economic Inequality: Excluding Black professionals and POC from leadership roles deepens income disparities and limits generational wealth.
What We’re Doing
At D.I.M.E.S., we are committed to shining a spotlight on these disparities and driving systemic change through:
- Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers and organizations to demand transparency and accountability in diversity reporting.
- Programs: Supporting Black talent and POC through mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities.
- Research: Providing detailed data and reports to inform strategies and measure progress, both locally and globally.
Explore the Data
Dive deeper into the statistics and learn more about the barriers and opportunities for change:
“The data is clear: there’s still much work to be done. But the power to create change is in our hands. Together, we can build a future where Black professionals and people of color are not just represented but are leading the industries that shape our culture and our communities. Join us in turning this vision into a reality.”
