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“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
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“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 economicimperative • 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
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. Source: European Commission Database on women and men in decision-making
Figure 1 - Gender balance on corporate boards in the EU, 2003-2012 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 directors • by 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
Thankyou for your attention! http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/index_en.htm http://www.eige.europa.eu/