Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister says that she wants at least 25 per cent of Swedish Board members to be female. Thus far, Norway is the only other country in the world to have threatened legislation. The Conservative minister of trade and industry has stated that 40 per cent of the Boards of listed companies should be female.
In the UK, the Higgs report highlights the need for greater diversity and stresses that Boards should recognise the benefits of diversity and appoint NEDs from a wider range of backgrounds including the appointment of more women. Currently, it is estimated that only 6 per cent of UK non-executive posts are currently held by women. Why do so few talented ambitious women reach the UK Boardroom?