Gender quotas: problem or solution for boards?

The EU is pushing to have 40 per cent representation of women in boardrooms within four years to close the gender gap. Can this be achieved without the introduction of quotas? Ariadne Massa speaks to Centre for Labour Studies director Anna Borg and Malta Employers Association director general Joe Farrugia for their views. Anna Borg In 18th-century Europe, women who attempted to pursue an education were warned they would contract brain fever and risk sterility. Fast forward to recent history and the discrimination remains. Malta had differentiated wage scales for women and men up to 1974, and until the 1980s women employed with the State had to stop working once they got married, bringing their career to a screeching halt Discrimination against women is rooted in historical traditions that still permeate the subconscious of many decision-makers, who happen to be men and occupy top positions. Centre for Labour Studies director Anna Borg believes these invisible barriers are behind gender inequality and unless positive action is taken nothing will change. “Historically, discrimination was legalised and it’s no wonder we’re in such a pitiful situation,” she said. The present...