Women on Board

Women on Board is a non-profit association established in December 2009 by five dedicated women aiming to enhance female access to directorship roles within Belgian enterprises, both public and private. The organization has successfully achieved its primary objectives: Creating a pool of talented women prepared to assume board positions. Facilitating access to this pool for Belgian enterprises seeking female directors. The association offers assistance to corporations, SMEs, and NGOs in building gender-diverse boards. With approximately 300 talented women ready for board positions, their expertise spans various domains, including financial, digital, strategy, transformation, science, and human resources. Women on Board can connect organizations with these qualified candidates for board or advisory board roles. Research indicates that gender-diverse boards contribute to better-performing companies and organizations. Such boards respect the equality of talents and serve as role models of inclusivity, leading to more competitive organizations that bolster economic growth. While supporting current targets of 33% or 40% women on boards, Women on Board aspires to achieve a 50% gender composition, envisioning it as the future standard. Gender-diverse boards are also seen as catalysts for a better future. Organizations with such boards are believed to add value through a strong long-term vision, sustainability, and consideration of climate impact. They maintain good relations with social partners and uphold clear diversity policies, addressing key challenges for boards and society, aligning with the European Green Deal. The association's mission is to increase female representation in the business world within the context of good governance practices. By bringing together qualified women, Women on Board promotes diversity in boards of directors and executive committees, offering Belgian and foreign corporations free access to a pool of highly qualified female candidates ready for board positions. The organization focuses on providing visibility to skilled women and potential board candidates, promoting this talent pool in the business world. The Board of Directors comprises eleven members: three founding members, one Chairwoman of European Women on Board, four associate members, and three male directors. All bring energy, experience, business insight, and sound advice, while maintaining full-time professional roles. The Admissions Committee reviews candidate profiles based on objective criteria and advises the Board of Directors accordingly. Meetings are held quarterly, ensuring impartiality, fairness, and avoidance of conflicts of interest in their recommendations. Women on Board offers two membership categories: Associate Members : Women forming the pool of candidate board members, having successfully passed the admission process. Supporting Members : Individuals willing to support the association and its values. Additionally, the "Women on Track" community comprises supportive members aiming for professional growth, networking opportunities, and reflection on potential future board roles. Corporate partnerships are available in three tiers: Diamond, Gold, or Silver. By partnering with Women on Board, organizations associate their image with a significant project promoting board diversity, gaining visibility and demonstrating a commitment to gender diversity in leadership roles. Women on Board is a co-founding member of European Women on Boards (EWOB), further extending its reach and impact in promoting gender diversity across Europe.