Women in Europe: more women in leading positions

Abstract

In this time of crisis, the ‘women’s issue’ is more relevant than ever. The solution does not lie in ‘a return to the home’, as some have imagined, but in the greater involvement of women in the business world. Women are as well qualified as their male counterparts, and often more qualified. Women are also better equipped in times of crisis because they are often experienced managers and organisers. It would indeed be a mistake not to involve them at this difficult point in time. But these vital developments are struggling to emerge naturally; stumbling blocks still exist that maintain a ‘glass ceiling’ which is becoming increasingly difficult to bear. Change is occurring instead due to incentives and legislation. Feminisation is still progressing too slowly in some countries, but it is occurring. Europe as a whole is experiencing this phenomenon. It is about time the situation changed. And women have begun to network together in order to facilitate these changes.

Appendix

See Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Table 1 Women CEOs (small to medium-sized enterprises)

Table 2 Women directors in stock market–listed companies

Table 3 Women in the EP

Table 4 Women in the 27 national parliaments (lower and single houses)

Table 5 Women ministers in the 27 governments