Managers and above know this. In order for execs to get their bonus they have to meet diversity goals. So execs have promoted women to positions they would not ordinarily be promoted, in order to get their bonuses. This started many years ago, and continue to this day.

https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/18/13681738/microsoft-diver...

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-microsoft-execs-earn-the...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-17/microsoft...