Summary Box: EU may mandate women on co. boards
UNEQUAL: The European Union's justice commissioner asked companies in member countries a year ago to put more women on their boards. She said Monday that, if change continues at the current pace, 40 years will pass before women hold 40 percent those positions.
WHY WOMEN: More than fairness, this is a question of profitability and innovation, said commissioner Viviane Reding. She cited a study showing that companies whose boards include more women are far more profitable.
A MANDATE: The EU is considering mandating that boards include a minimum proportion of women. Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain already have such quotas.
