The number of female directors appointed to company boards has increased by 400 per cent this year.

Figures from the Australian Institute of Company Directors show 40 women were given board positions this year compared to 10 in 2009.

The sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick says there has been a commitment by board directors and the community to have better representation of women at the top.

Ms Broderick says while it is a good result, some workplaces continue to discriminate.

"The issues of sexual harassment, the issues around pay, equity or the issues generally of sex discrimination, they still exist in many Australian workplaces," she said.

"I think there's a recognition though if those issues are not resolved then women will be excluded and the ability to progress women up to the higher levels will be very difficult."