Changing Times for Women in Management
In the last years, researchers and consultancy companies joined efforts to create a business case for women on boards. Several corporations implemented women-friendly practices to promote their careers’ development. Women invested in their own education, training and development to acquire the necessary skills for leadership positions. Networks like EWMD spread all over Europe, connecting women in management, sharing best practices, and fostering the empowerment of women in business. All these efforts helped setting the stage for women–though as we all agree at a very slow pace.
Last March 8th, presented a new landmark for the European women in management, with the strong commitment to achieve gender balance on boards from the EU Commissioner Viviane Reding challenging all listed companies in Europe to sign a “Women on the Board Pledge for Europe” with the following goals:
- 30% female board members by 2015
- 40% female board members by 2020
This is a very positive action to accelerate progress toward a better gender balance in decision-making positions in the corporate world. Finally, EU policy-makers gave additional signs to the market, creating a new momentum for women on boards.
Definitely, these are changing times for women in management!
