Social SciencesCorporate GovernanceGender StudiesGenderGender PolicyWomen's StudiesGender And WorkGender EqualityGender Equality In LawGender Equality PolicyGender Equality LegislationPublic Policy DebateQuota AdministrationQuota ReformQuotas For Board DiversityQuotas For Gender EqualityWomen In BusinessWorkplace Gender Equality
Norway was the first country to introduce a quota for women on company boards. Since its introduction in 2003, the number of 'women on board' has reached 40 per cent as required by law. In several European countries, Germany being one of them, a debate has begun on how to increase the number of women in leading positions in business. The question of whether or not quota legislation is needed to reach this goal is highly contested. The Norwegian experience reveals that a quota is the key to a successful implementation. Not only does it create the pressure needed for fundamental change but it also triggers a public debate at the core of which are questions of gender equality in wider society.