Germany sees drop in women on corporate boards as firms set zero‑target goals

The share of women on the boards of Germany’s listed companies fell for the first time in years, slipping from 19.9% to 19.1%. A new FidAR (Frauen in die Aufsichtsräte) analysis of 183 DAX, MDAX and SDAX firms found that an increasing number of companies are openly aiming for a "zero" target – i.e., no women in top‑management positions.

Legal quotas require at least 30% women on supervisory boards of large firms and, since 2022, at least one woman on boards with more than three members. FidAR’s president Monika Schulz‑Strelow warned that the gap between quota‑bound and non‑quota firms is widening and called for the supervisory‑board quota to be raised to 40% and extended to executive boards. Federal Women’s Minister Karin Prien stressed that gender‑balanced leadership is essential for economic success, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz was reminded that mixed‑gender teams make better decisions and are more innovative.

The trend emerges amid a broader talent shortage and pressure on German companies to improve innovation and competitiveness.