Representation of women
In 2019 (2nd quarter), women accounted for 31% of parliament members in EU countries. The number of women in business leadership is low: in April 2019, women accounted for just 27.8% of board members of the largest publicly-listed companies registered in EU countries.
The causes for the under-representation of women in decision-making processes and positions are multiple and complex. The main reasons are traditional gender roles and stereotypes, the lack of support for women and men to balance care responsibilities with work, and the prevalent political and corporate cultures.
What is the European Commission doing?
- Keep the topic on the political agenda – 'equality in decision making' is one of the priorities of the Strategic engagement for gender equality (2016-2019);
- Cooperating with and supporting all groups concerned (governments, social partners, NGOs, business) to design and implement EU-wide activities on gender balance in leadership positions;
- Analysing and disseminating data, trends and information – see the EIGE database on women and men in decision-making;
- Increasing awareness and promoting networking and the exchange of good practices among all groups concerned.
Gender balance on corporate boards
In November 2012 the European Commission proposed legislation to increase the number of women on corporate boards by 40% in publicly listed companies.
Press pack (2012)