Tue Sep 10 00:22:52 UTC 2024: ## Slovakia Approves First Gender Equality Law for Large Companies
**BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA** – Slovakia is set to become the latest European country to implement a gender equality law targeting large companies. The new legislation, passed by the Slovak government and currently awaiting parliamentary approval, aims to increase the number of women in leadership positions within publicly traded companies.
The bill, based on an EU directive, mandates that companies report annually on the gender composition of their executive boards. By 2026, at least 40% of non-executive directors, or 33% if executive roles are included, must be women. Companies failing to meet these targets will need to provide action plans, and potential penalties for non-compliance are being considered.
The move comes in response to the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, particularly in technical sectors and the private sphere. According to the European Commission, only 13.7% of top positions in Europe’s largest publicly traded companies are currently held by women.
The proposed law has sparked mixed reactions from employer groups. While some see it as a positive step, with women bringing valuable perspectives to leadership, others express concerns about increased bureaucracy. However, supporters argue that the administrative requirements are limited and that many companies already have internal policies aligned with the law’s goals.
The bill is expected to be implemented by December 28, 2024, and is part of a wider EU effort to improve gender balance in the workplace. The directive was passed by the European Parliament in November 2022, and member states are currently working to incorporate it into their national legislation.
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