IFA-Ethics&Boards barometer of gender diversity in leadership bodies

L’Institut Français des Administrateurs (IFA) and Ethics & Boards have published the fourth edition of the Gender Diversity Barometer in leadership bodies. The 2026 edition assesses the representation of women on boards of directors, executive committees (ExCo) and management committees (ManCo) of CAC 40 and SBF 120 companies, as the first threshold of the Rixain law takes effect.

A shifting focus
After more than fifteen years of regulation, gender diversity on boards of directors is no longer the central issue.
The 2026 Barometer highlights a major shift: the focus is no longer on access to boards, but on access to the highest-level positions.
Board chairmanships and chief executive roles: what is the real glass ceiling today?

The impact of the regulatory framework
This new edition provides a concrete assessment of the combined impact of the Copé-Zimmermann law, the Rixain law and the European Women on Boards Directive on the governance of major French companies.
It provides insight into:

• how executive bodies are evolving;
• whether regulation is having differentiated effects;
• and how France compares on the international stage.

Beyond the figures: career trajectories

The 2026 Barometer goes beyond mere gender representation figures. It analyses career paths, the structure of succession pools and the distribution of responsibilities within executive and management committees.

A strategic tool for boards

This report is intended for:

• board members,
• nomination and remuneration committees,
• senior management,
• investors and governance stakeholders.
  It serves as a reference tool for promoting gender diversity as a driver of high-quality decision-making, sustainable performance and responsible governance.