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Women in the boardroom: driving change at the top

03 February 2023 / Ranjit Dhindsa
Issue: 8011 / Categories: Features , Profession , Career focus , Diversity , Equality
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Are quotas an effective way of addressing gender imbalances in senior roles? Ranjit Dhindsa examines the law & weighs up the pros & cons

In brief

  • The Council of the EU has adopted the ‘Women on Boards’ Directive.
  • What will the Directive change, and to whom does it apply?
  • Do gender quotas work, and what are the downsides?

The Council of the EU adopted the ‘Women on Boards’ Directive (the Directive) in October 2022, ten years after it was first proposed by the EU Commission, which is aimed at improving the gender imbalance among directors and those in senior roles in listed companies. 

Although the Directive may not be directly applicable in the UK, it will have an impact for the following reasons:

  • Publicity: it is receiving publicity and there is awareness of it both in Europe and the UK,
  • Expectations: this publicity creates an expectation and a slight pressure. Employees, shareholders and investors who operate throughout Europe
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DWF—19 appointments

DWF—19 appointments

Belfast team bolstered by three senior hires and 16 further appointments

Cadwalader—Andro Atlaga

Cadwalader—Andro Atlaga

Firm strengthens leveraged finance team with London partner hire

Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Knights—Ella Dodgson & Rebecca Laffan

Double hire marks launch of family team in Leeds

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