The winds of change are blowing. A quota law on gender balance on boards may soon become a reality.
In Norway, gender quotas have been a reality since 2006. Here, each gender must have at least 40% representation in the boardrooms of listed companies and public enterprises.
"But surely I'm not going to join a board as a result of a quota system. As a qualified person, why should I?" you might think.
The resistance is understandable, but what is the alternative?
Quotas are on the table at EU and national levels because women do not have the same chance of joining a board as men - REGARDLESS of individual qualifications.
In order for gender equality to become a reality, quotas may be part of the solution.
But they cannot stand alone.
Quotas or status quo?
We also need the many talented women to accept the board positions that are earmarked for them - just as many men (and some women) over the years have accepted a position that was offered to them because they "knew someone" or already had a foot in.
Is it not equally good or bad whether you end up on a board because a quota dictates it or because you used to be part of an old boy network?
I think so, even though it may seem contradictory to fight the original evil with a new one.
If you know you are qualified and ready to make as big a difference as any other candidate... well, why would you turn down the opportunity - no matter how it came about?
Men - capable and incapable alike - have always had an unfair advantage when it comes to getting those board positions, and so a quota is the lesser of the two evils that are quotas and the status quo.
If the quotas come, I would say:
Take your chance, take your place, and prove yourself on your own terms - whatever your gender.
Contact me if your company wants to lead the way or needs to tackle the winds of change.
