Post on 13-Dec-2015
“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/