This is a very positive change for a male dominated work society. It would have been better if this also included minorities though admittedly, it's a very positive start. The numbers in France are dismal and an embarrassment. That said, the US is still stuck on this issue as well compared to northern Europe. Between under representation in board rooms and in politics, it's not what anyone should expect or tolerate.
I remember arguing about affirmative action with a cousin years ago. She was completely against it as a Socialist Party supporter. In the minds of many, the law already guarantees this so it's not necessary. Of course, in practice, the law was hardly effective but that was beside the point apparently. The concept of affirmative action is considered more of a right wing idea by many here in France. It's one of those words such as "liberal" that has different meanings in different countries.
Nicolas Sarkozy's centre-right party has put forward legislation that would see women make up half the figures in France's leading boardrooms by 2015, under a bold plan to impose gender equality on the male-dominated business world.
In a bill submitted to the French parliament this week, all companies listed on the Paris stock exchange would have to ensure female employees made up 50% of their board members by 2015. If passed, a gradual implementation of the law would see businesses obliged to have women in 20% of board seats within 18 months, and 40% within four years.
Jean-François Copé, president of the majority UMP party, said it could give a "much-needed electro-shock" to the French corporate world, long considered a bastion reserved for the male elite in which only 10.5% of board members in CAC 40 (French stock market index) companies are female.
