This paper aims to assess, on the basis of empirical evidence and international literature, what are the real chances for women in European vs. US companies to reach top executive positions. The study is based on empirical evaluations under the auspices of the European Institute for Gender Equality and the Bureau of Labour Statistics. The results highlight attempts/efforts to reduce the gender pay gap required by both legislative institutions and the private sector. At the same time, among other conclusions drawn from our study, it is highlighted that in all Western countries (with liberal/democratic systems of political governance), at least in the last 3 decades, there has been a clear and positive trend to support equality as a leading principle between the two segments of the workforce in the US and Europe. With reference to Europe the promotion of women in social, political and executive positions has been and remains somewhat more pronounced such as Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, the Nordic countries etc.

Relatively newly, the European Directive of the European Parliament states that for all 27 Member States, by 2026 leading companies should have 40% women on their executive boards.