According to the 2011 Global Professionals on the Move Report commissioned by recruitment group Hydrogen, women are not getting as much international experience as men and consequently hindering their career progression.

The majority of the 2,637 professionals surveyed across 85 countries reported that working abroad had improved their career prospects, salaries, living conditions and personal development.

Ninety-one per cent of respondents were already working abroad or looking to do so.

With all respondents having qualifications of a bachelor degree or above, 100 per cent of the women surveyed said they would recommend working abroad, while 93 per cent claimed they would work abroad again if given the chance.

Although women expressed the willingness to relocate almost as much as men, men who work abroad outnumber women four to one.

Only 33 per cent of those Australians surveyed who are actually working overseas were women, compared with 67 per cent men.

"Our Australian clients are increasingly requesting women with international experience," says Hydrogen ANZ director, Emma Halls.

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"Australia is addressing the gender divide with companies making a strong commitment to gender equality. Banks seem to be leading the way, prompted by the ASX's drive to place more women in senior positions and even score-carding CEOs on this statistic, helping instigate shifts in attitude," says says.

"With gender diversity at the forefront of our clients' minds, women with international experience will see their CV's fast-tracked through to interview in Australia."

According to Hydrogen Group chief executive officer Tim Smeaton, the report was produced to determine the shifts in candidates' perceptions of working overseas.

"We envisage global mobility will play a greater role in people's career decisions moving forward," he said.