This is a result of legislation implementing the \u201cWomen on Boards\u201d Directive entering into force. The legislation requires a gender balance on the governing bodies of companies.<\/p>\n
Companies must achieve at least 33% representation of the underrepresented gender collectively on their management and supervisory boards, while also ensuring the presence of women on each of these bodies.<\/p>\n
Companies are also required to adopt a gender balance policy setting out the rules for selecting candidates for positions on their governing bodies.<\/p>\n
Candidates must be assessed on the basis of clear and non-discriminatory qualification criteria. Where two candidates are equally qualified, preference should generally be given to the candidate belonging to the underrepresented gender.<\/p>\n
The \u201cunderrepresented gender\u201d means the gender whose representatives hold no more than 49% of the total number of positions on the company\u2019s governing bodies.<\/p>\n
Companies will be required to prepare an annual report on gender representation and the measures taken to ensure gender balance.<\/p>\n
If a company fails to comply with the recruitment or reporting requirements, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) may issue a recommendation to remedy the violations or impose a fine of up to PLN 500,000.<\/p>\n
A candidate in respect of whom the company has breached the recruitment requirements is entitled to compensation in an amount not lower than the minimum wage, or to damages.<\/p>\n
The legislation has been referred to the Constitutional Tribunal, but this does not suspend its effectiveness.<\/p>\n