Many Boards of Directors are predominantly male. Its been suggested that positive action needs to be taken to increase the number of women. Is this cause for concern? Does it imply that these new women directors will be appointed to senior positions because of their gender rather than their ability?
Why does action need to be taken to ensure women of talent undertake senior roles? There are many talented women full of aspiration and ability leaving university each year. They are no less able than their male counterparts at the point of graduation. Why then do they fail to reach the most senior positions in their respective companies? Is it because women are not serious about their careers? Once they marry and have children of their own do they put their family before their career? Do they lack an innate ability to lead and control? Or is there an underlying prejudice against women which assumes all of the above?
A few women do succeed at director level. What sets those women apart? Are they promoted when they are young and pretty (and able) only to face increasing discrimination with middle age? Whatever problems women face based on stereotypical assumptions (and it is true that many do seek motherhood and part time work, and a work life balance) lack of ability is not the obstacle. Prejudice is a barrier that has still to be overcome in many walks of life, including the Boardroom.
