Women in power still trapped by glass ceiling

Despite recent progress, women in Europe are still shut out of top positions in both politics and business, says a new European Commission report. Across the EU, 24% of parliamentarians are women – up from 16% a decade ago – with a similar proportion holding ministerial office. In the private sector, men still represent 9 out of 10 board members in top companies and two-thirds of company bosses. “Progress on getting more women decision makers has been too slow. If we believe in the values of democracy, we cannot leave half of the population outside the structures of power,” said Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla. “Gender equality is also good for business. Our economies must reap the full potential of all our talents if we are to face up to global competition. This means smashing the glass ceiling once and for all!” The report, “Women and men in decision-making 2007 – analysis of the situation and trends”, shows that the proportion of women members of national parliaments has risen by around half, from 16% in 1997 to 24% in 2007. However, it is still well below the so-called critical mass of 30% deemed necessary for women to exert meaningful influence on politics. Of the 20 countries worldwide that have achieved the critical mass of 30%, eight are from within the EU – Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. For further information you can download the report here.

english gender research