Why are there so few women in leadership positions? Why are men still ahead – especially within the corporate world? And how can we work to make sure that this changes?

These are just a few of the questions being asked at the BBC 100 Women debate on women in leadership, live in London today.

This year, there are only 26 women listed in the Fortune 500. Paltry, yes - but what’s even more depressing, is that this is the highest ever figure for women making the list to date.

Just last month, the World Economic Forum announced that it would take an excruciating 118 years to close the gender pay gap.

Although many insist that 'the battle is won' and that things are moving in the right direction, they simply aren’t moving fast enough.

While some suggest that women have a responsibility to ‘lean in’ and make their voices heard, if they want to smash the glass ceiling, perhaps it’s not quite as simple as that.

As we so often hear, when men assert themselves they are viewed as proactive, as leaders. But when women do, they are branded with sexist labels such as ‘bossy’, ‘bitchy’ or even ‘emotional.’

Here’s what the women at today’s debate had to say on the topic:

Why are there so few women in leadership roles?