Eliminating discrimination against women in economic and social life with a focus on economic crisis 2014, para. 63
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Paragraph text
A number of countries have adopted temporary special measures specifically directed at accelerating de facto equality for women in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and trade. Legislation with gender quotas for membership of corporate boards has been adopted in 13 countries. Most of the countries with quota requirements belong to the Western European and other States Group, but some are in Africa and Asia. The quota requirements, varying between a minimum of 1 and 40 per cent, apply to government companies and publicly listed companies. In some States, failing to fulfil quota requirements results in sanctions. Quotas have also been applied by local government to boards of directors of cooperatives. On the evidence, it seems that mandatory and not voluntary quotas are the most effective way to get women onto boards.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Economic Rights
Equality & Inclusion
Gender
Person(s) affected
Women
Year
2014
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
WG Discrimination Against Women, Report to the HRC (2014), A/HRC/26/39, para. 63.