Only 8% of CEO's of the EU's largest companies are women

Only 8% of CEO’s of the EU’s largest companies are women. Ahead of the International Women’s Day (8 March), the European Commission issued the following statement:

“Gender equality is a core principle of the European Union. Yet it is still not a reality. In business, politics and society as a whole, we can only reach our full potential if we use all of our talent and diversity. Women face too many hurdles and barriers on their way. In Europe and beyond, women continue to be targets of gender-based violence, stereotypes and hate speech.

Even if Europe is a good address for women, the numbers are telling: one in three women in the EU was subject to physical and/or sexual violence. Even though more women graduate from universities, they earn on average 16% less than men do. Only 8% of CEO’s of the EU’s largest companies are women.

This is not what our Union stands for. Everyone, regardless of his or her gender, should be able to live free from violence and pursue his or her chosen path in life.

We need a change and the moment is now. Ahead of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, we need to remember: progress towards equality between women and men is neither inevitable nor irreversible.

Gender Equality Strategy

This is why, the Commission adopted the EU’s Gender Equality Strategy, setting out concrete actions for the next 5 years, including on pay transparency.

The Strategy is also the EU’s contribution to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the first universal commitment and action plan to advance on equality between women and men – which marks this year the 25th anniversary since its adoption. The EU will continue to support, promote and protect women’s rights and women empowerment, while tackling gender-based violence, including in fragile, conflict and emergency situations.”

Background

Delivering on the commitments made by President Ursula von der Leyen, the first female President of the European Commission, in her political guidelines, yesterday, Vice-President Vera Jourová and Commissioner Helena Dalli presented the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025

. The actions outlined in the Strategy include, among others, legislation to prevent and combat specific forms of gender based violence, a campaign to combat gender stereotypes; enforcing work-life balance measures, and equal pay measures; pushing for achieving gender-balance in decision-making and politics.