EU Getting Eyeing Gender Balance - Building Gender Balanced Business

“I have not been an advocate of quotas for women in senior business posts in the past, but given the lack of progress in this area, we might in the future have to consider taking initiatives at the European level. I plan to meet with the chief executives of major publicly listed European companies in spring 2011 to discuss the situation and the scope for determined self-regulation. Depending on the outcome of this dialogue with industry, I will consider whether further initiatives will be necessary in 2012.” says Commissioner Reding.

The EC strategy identifies five priorities: getting more women in the labor market; equal pay as on average women continue to earn 18% less than men across the EU; equality in senior positions; tackling gender violence; and promoting equality beyond the EU.

The Commission will also set up a yearly top-level Gender Equality Dialogue involving the European Parliament, the Council presidencies, European social partners and civil society to assess progress in implementing the strategy.