Gender diversity maturity in the top management of Brazilian state-owned sanitation companies

Purpose Guided by the Theory of Gendered Organizations and concepts of institutional isomorphism, this study aims to the maturity of gender diversity in the top management of Brazilian state-owned, publicly traded sanitation companies. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, documentary approach analyzed corporate reports from seven sanitation companies between 2022 and 2024. A seven-indicator maturity model, grounded in literature on symbolic versus substantive representation, was developed to assess the gap between policy adoption and outcomes. Findings The findings reveal a variance in maturity, with some companies achieving “Mature” status on policy adoption while female representation remains low (averaging 20%). This exposes a significant gap between symbolic commitment and substantive change. The results suggest that embedded gendered structures and informal mechanisms like homophily persist, rendering formal policies insufficient on their own to dismantle the glass ceiling. Research limitations/implications Reliance on documentary data may not capture informal practices influencing gender equality. Practical implications The study provides a replicable framework for diversity maturity and highlights the need to move beyond policy adoption toward implementing accountability mechanisms that address informal barriers and link diversity goals to performance. Social implications By demonstrating the persistence of inequality in a sector vital for public health, it underscores the need for stronger governance to advance social justice and democratic representation in public services. Originality/value This research contributes by providing a critical analysis of diversity maturity in the context of Latin American public utilities. It refines the application of maturity models to expose the symbolic-substantive gap and advances theoretical understanding of why gendered organizations are resistant to change.