A recent analysis of German corporate governance reveals a striking disparity in the implementation of the legally mandated female quota, with state-owned enterprises significantly outperforming their private sector counterparts in promoting women to top leadership positions. The “Public Women-on-Board” index, compiled by the “Frauen in die Aufsichtsräte” (Fidar) initiative and reported by Handelsblatt, highlights a persistent imbalance in gender representation within corporate oversight bodies.
The index, which scrutinizes the composition of supervisory boards, found that in 2025, 38.9% of positions within the supervisory boards of 259 public enterprises were held by women, compared to 37% in the 179 privately held companies examined. This divergence becomes even more pronounced when focusing solely on the 101 federal holdings, where women comprised 41.4% of supervisory board members. Notably, women also hold a greater proportion of the coveted position of supervisory board chair, accounting for 27% in public enterprises, a stark contrast to the mere 8.9% found in the private sector.
Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has hailed these figures as evidence of the quota’s success, attributing the increased representation of women to the stringent requirements imposed on federal entities. She characterized federal holdings as being “at the forefront” and “on track” toward achieving equal participation of women and men in leadership roles.
However, this assessment draws immediate scrutiny. Critics argue that the apparent success within public enterprises merely underscores the private sector’s continued failings and raises questions about the degree to which the quota is truly driving systemic change. The reliance on state-mandated measures, while yielding short-term gains in certain areas, may not address the underlying cultural and structural barriers that impede women’s advancement within the predominantly privately-controlled business world. Furthermore, the dependence on such quotas risks masking a superficial compliance rather than fostering genuine inclusivity and a commitment to gender equality.
The German Federal Ministry for Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth actively supports the “Public Women-on-Board” index, highlighting the government’s commitment to tracking progress in this area. However, a deeper investigation into the factors driving the disparity between public and private sector performance is needed to ensure accountability and accelerate progress toward a truly equitable corporate landscape. The index’s future iterations should incorporate not only quantitative data but also qualitative assessments of the cultural shifts occurring within these organizations.