The decision is also aimed at boosting equal representation of members of Switzerland’s four linguistic communities: German, French, Italian and Romansh.
The target for gender representation has been raised from 30% to a minimum of 40% to be reached by the end of 2023, according to a government statement on Wednesday.
The announcement coincides with the approval of a United Nations report on the elimination of discrimination against women.
The report welcomes the progress being made by Switzerland, notably a planned equality strategy due to be published next year as well as several legal amendments.
They include the requirement to conduct an equal-pay analysis, improvements in the protection of victims of violence, greater flexibility in balancing work and care duties for family members, and, in revised company legislation, the introduction of guidelines on the gender composition of boards of directors and management boards.
However, the report continues to criticise persistent wage differences between the sexes, the underrepresentation of women in managerial positions and domestic violence.
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Slight improvement for Switzerland in equality ranking
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Switzerland has jumped two spots, from 20th to 18th, in the World Economic Forum’s annual Gender Gap Report.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
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The parents of the young jihadist who left for Syria to join the Islamic State have been given suspended sentences by the Federal Criminal Court.
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Felix Lehner, Pamela Rosenkranz and Miroslav Sik have been awarded the Swiss Grand Award for Art/Prix Meret Oppenheim 2025.
Nearly 2% of new Swiss disability insurance claims involve Long Covid
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Just under 2% of new claims submitted to the disability insurance between 2021 and 2023 concern people suffering from Long Covid.
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The watch industry had to contend with a weakening of its exports last year, which reached a volume of CHF25.9 billion ($28.5 billion).
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Women still struggle to break top ranks in Swiss firms
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Women represent half of employees in non-management levels in Switzerland, but promotion rates between men and women remain unequal.
Will a more feminine parliament advance the Swiss gender agenda?
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Last year a record number of women were elected to parliament in Switzerland. Will they help bring more equality in other spheres?
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The International Day of Women and Girls in Science has been highlighting how hard it is to forge a successful career, also in Switzerland.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.