Unveiling gender equality: assessing the impact of board gender diversity approaches in European Countries

The chapter examines the impact of gender inclusivity measures on corporate boards in European countries, focusing on whether these measures drive broader societal change. It analyzes the effectiveness of gender quota laws, recommendations, and disclosure approaches in increasing women's representation in leadership roles. The chapter introduces a comprehensive framework to evaluate outcomes based on these measures and assesses their influence on societal norms and institutional practices. Findings suggest that stricter measures, such as gender quota laws, significantly improve women's representation in business and finance, with varying effects across other institutional domains. Despite progress, the effectiveness of these measures is influenced by contextual factors, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to achieving gender equality in governance and management.