Equality between women and men is a fundamental principle of the EU. Ensuring gender equality is one of the main objectives in the EU Treaties.

On 20 November 2013 ( IP/13/1118), the European Parliament has voted with an overwhelming majority (459 for, 148 against and 81 abstentions) for the Commission’s draft Directive aiming for a share of 40% of female non-executive members on the boards of listed companies.

Following a strong backing by the European Parliament the draft Directive to improve gender balance in Europe’s Company Boardrooms is currently being discussed by the Council of Europe.

In the April newsletter we presented the mid term results of the 2010-2015 Strategy for equality between women and men.

New statistics released by the European Commission on 24 September show that the average share of women on the boards of the largest publicly listed companies in the EU has risen to 18.6% which represents an increase of nearly one percentage point since the last data collection in October 2013 (17.8%). This is great news!

I am specializing in Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination on grounds of age and gender. If I you face unequal treatment at the workplace, I can help.

If I you have any other questions about employment or pensions please do not hesitate to contact me at my office: +31202402478 or on my mobile:+31620978496 or by email: marianne.eisma@mlegalattorneys.com

We can also meet at on one of the Women on Boards Executive Dinner’s organized by PWN Amsterdam, www.europeanpwn.net  at Restaurant De Nieuwe Poort Amsterdam Zuidas. This is an opportunity to connect with women in decision making positions, leaders and other influencers to share experiences. If you are interested to join please send me an email.