“Towards the Top – Advancing Women in the Workplace"

Gender balance in corporate leadership positions : an economic and business

imperative

Daniela Bankier, Head of Gender Equality, DG Justice

29 April 2013, Dublin

 

Gender balance in corporate leadership: •an economic imperative•a matter of interest for society •and not just a "women's issue"

Progress has been slow and the issue remains a challenge for all EU Member States

Women account for just 15.8% of board members (Oct-2012)

•  

Source: European Commission Database on women and men in decision-making

All men at the top

97% of board chairs are men and just 3% women

There are even fewer female CEOs – just 2%

In October 2012 just 19 out of 582 of the largest companies in EU Member States had a female chairperson or president.

Only 14 had a female CEO.

Figure 1 - Gender balance on corporate boards in the EU, 2003-2012

8.5% 9.0% 9.8% 9.7% 10.3% 10.7% 10.9% 11.8% 13.6% 15.8%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Men

Women

+0.5pp +0.8pp -0.1pp +0.6pp +0.4pp +0.2pp +0.9pp +1.8pp +2.2pp

Progress is slow: around 0.8 pp. per year between 2003-2012

A comprehensive approach to tackle the existing barriers:

- legislation : the 40% rule- complementary measures

Improving gender balance among non- executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges (excluding SMEs)

Proposal for a Directive (November 2012):Binding objective of 40% for non-executive directorsby 1 January 2020 (or 2018 for public undertakings)

Complementary measures

Support initiatives to combat gender stereotyped representations of women's and men's roles

Contribute to the creation of a social, economic and business environment that facilitates equal opportunities for women and men in leadership

Promote the economic and business case for gender equality

Support/monitor progress across the EU

Thank you for your attention!

http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/index_en.htmhttp://www.eige.europa.eu/