The latest Public Women-on-Board Index reveals a striking disparity in the implementation of Germany’s legally mandated women’s quota, with state-owned enterprises significantly outperforming their private sector counterparts in placing women in top leadership positions. The index, compiled by the “Women on Supervisory Boards” (Fidar) initiative and reported by Handelsblatt, highlights a persistent struggle for gender equality within German corporate governance.
According to the report, as of 2025, women comprised 38.9% of supervisory board members in 259 public companies, compared to 37% in the 179 assessed private sector firms. The gap widens considerably when focusing solely on the 101 federal holdings, where female representation on supervisory boards reached 41.4%. Furthermore, women hold the position of supervisory board chair at 27% of these public entities, a stark contrast to the mere 8.9% observed within the private sector.
Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has framed these figures as a direct success of the imposed quota, specifically citing the more stringent requirements applied to federal companies. She lauded these entities as “leading the way” and progressing towards “equal participation of women and men in leadership positions.
However, while Minister Prien celebrates the public sector’s performance, the data raises critical questions about the efficacy of the quota system’s application and enforcement within the private sector. The comparatively low representation of women in private company leadership suggests a potential for circumvention or a lack of genuine commitment to gender equality among privately held businesses. Critics argue that a more robust oversight mechanism is needed to ensure the quota’s principles are uniformly applied and to address the underlying cultural barriers that continue to impede female advancement within the private corporate landscape.
The discrepancy also sparks debate regarding the potential for “cherry-picking” – the possibility that state-owned enterprises are prioritizing the fulfillment of the quota by appointing women to roles where the potential for significant influence or impact is limited, while truly powerful positions remain largely inaccessible to female candidates.
The investigation, supported by the Federal Ministry for Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth, scrutinized 101 federal holdings and 158 state-level entities. The report underscores the urgency of tackling the persistent inequalities that perpetuate disparities in leadership roles and emphasizes the need for continuous evaluation and refinement of policies aimed at bolstering female representation within German corporate governance.
