According to a study by the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, male candidates still have a better chance of getting elected despite the fact that there are increasing numbers of female candidates. The study reports that this is due to ingrained prejudices and customs. The new report "Women in European politics – time for action" presents the situation as regards women and men in higher decision-making positions. The members of the European Parliament comprise 31% women and 69% men. This is a better balance than in national parliaments, where only 24 % of members are women. Figures also show that across Europe, on average, less than 3% of the largest publicly listed companies are led by a woman and the boards of these companies comprise 89% men and just 11% women. The governors of all central banks across Europe are men and the proportion of women in the top two levels of the hierarchy within the three main European institutions is just below 22%.
Margot Wallstrom, the Swedish vice president of the European Commission complained that “still today in governments and parliaments, less than a quarter of members are women,". According to her, there is no lack of female candidates but the reality is men tend to choose men. During an EU parliamentary debate, she pointed out that "One half of the population is seriously under-represented" and this being the case "the policy agenda will be set by men.
This year, 2009: a new European Parliament will be elected, a new European Commission will be appointed, and various high-profile posts will need to be filled across the EU institutions. This year will be a fantastic opportunity for the Member States and all those in charge of , electing or appointing candidates to such posts to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality and fair representation of women in top positions at European level.
The Employ A Woman team, have an ambitious agenda of supporting the entry of more women into politics, decision-making positions and non-traditional sectors.
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