This article has been lying in my Temp box for some time, and after last week’s German pronouncement, it seems appropriate. As does this article on women becoming agents of change!
OK. This is not about men-bashing. No no. It’s just my opinion on the status quo of over-50 women, men and large company boards.
The government in Germany have decided to legislate to ensure that approximately 70 (yes, SEVENTY) major companies have at least one woman on their board.
We all know, and you don’t have to look very far, that there are plenty of powerful women on the boards of very large organisations throughout the world. Angela Merkel, a woman no less, is Chancellor of Germany!
Yet this legislated quota for women was instigated by Merkel’s frustration at the slowness of change. Often a problem with boards run by old men.
The new law builds on a 30% quota for supervisory boards which was introduced in 2015. It applies to listed companies with more than three management board members.
Why Does it Take so Long?
Whilst this isn’t exactly a Giant Leap for Womankind, it is an excellent step in the right direction. This is a step that should be universally adopted, so why did it take so long to happen in Germany who had universal suffrage by 1919?
Looking at senior management overall (gotta love sweeping generalisations), the average man on any board is no spring chicken and yet you never hear BOO!
What do men have that women don’t?
Nothing.
Women may not be high-flyers like some men but in reality, they run the country … any country.
Women provide the next generation, education, nursing, home management, home maintenance, car-pools, charity events, conversationalism, coaching (football and otherwise), dressmaking and repair work, cooking skills, food on the table … the list is endless.
When it comes to management boards, women have as much experience and knowledge as the average man, many of whom fall apart when they are tasked to take over from a woman in every day life.
Women may not know a lot about manufacturing ball-bearings but they’re usually quick learners. If they want to learn about making ball-bearings.
Why are women at the bottom of the list?
So much is given to so many by governments, councils, charities etc, the only group that seems to be ignored, discounted and generally forgotten are women over 50. They either want to continue working or have to work because of their financial circumstances, Who will give them a job?!
Where does all this ageism towards women come from?
I wonder if the average CEO or the average board member is unwilling to share their glory because they’re frightened that women brought onto a board may show them up? Actually, this applies equally to anyone over 50 but especially women.
Society’s attitude needs to change and we’d like it if it changed quickly. It’s time women were recognised for their capabilities and if necessary, re-trained. Although training to become a board member may be a little tricky.
Nevertheless, we should all, as women, acknowledge that in some respects we are our own worst enemy. It really is time for us to step up and be counted. If they won’t bring it to us, we’ll take it to them!
If you’re interested in the dates at which different countries gave suffrage to women (and why wouldn’t you be?!), this from Wikipedia is the list. It’s accurate too.
