FRENCH PUSH GENDER EQUITY.
To foster equality between the sexes at its biggest companies, France is using both the carrot and the baguette.
With Australian statistics showing that many of our top company boardrooms and management have few female representatives, it’s thought-provoking to see how other countries are addressing similar problems.
France has implemented a system whereby companies with a good record of moving women into positions of power are awarded by the Ministry of Women’s Rights, where companies that fail to address the issues of gender equality can be punished with a fine. All companies that rank in the country’s top 120 companies are subject to this system of rewards and punishment.
The French Minister for Women’s Rights, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem says “The purpose of these rankings is to shine light on the gap between men and women in the governance of companies, to showcase the companies that have taken the matter to heart, and to encourage others to do the same.”
These rankings are based on a number of factors including the number of women on the executive committee and board of directors, and whether the organisation has concrete goals for achieving gender equality in the workplace. France has also implemented a system where large companies need at least 20% female representation on boards by 2014, and 40% by 2017.
Punishments for non-compliant companies can include a fine of up to 1 percent of their total payroll per month, and a ban on bidding on public contracts. The philosophy of such a system is clear – if an organisation doesn’t prioritise gender equality, there will be financial repercussions.
France’s system is an inspiring example of how gender equality can be promoted, provided there is a strong commitment and support from political parties.
