3. EQUALITY IN DECISION-MAKING
In most Member States, women continue to be under-represented in decision-making processes and positions, in particular at the highest levels, despite the fact that they make up nearly half the workforce and more than half of new university graduates in the EU.
Despite progress towards a gender balance in political decision-making, much remains to be done: on average, only one in four members of national parliaments and ministers of national governments is a woman. In economic decision-making, the proportion of women is lower than that of men at all levels of management and decision-making. Women represent only one in ten board members of the largest publicly listed companies in the EU and 3% among the presidents of the board. Research shows that gender diversity pays off and that there is a positive correlation between women in leadership positions and business performance.
Despite the EU goal, set in 2005, of having 25% of leading positions in the public research sector filled by women, the target is still some way off as only 19% of full professors in EU universities are women. The prevailing gender imbalance in science and research is still a major obstacle to the European objective of increasing competitiveness and maximising innovation potential.
The Commission will apply the same standards it encourages others to set by making the necessary efforts to improve its internal gender balance, especially in decision making positions.
Key actions
The Commission will:
- Consider targeted initiatives to improve the gender balance in decision making.
- Monitor the 25% target for women in top level decision-making positions in research.
- Monitor progress towards the aim of 40% of members of one sex in committees and expert groups established by the Commission.
- Support efforts to promote greater participation by women in European Parliament elections including as candidates.
