Female Board Index 2026: supervisory boards stable at 44 percent, management boards at 18 percent
On 22 October 2026, the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER) published the Female Board Index 2026. The index, compiled for the twentieth time by SER Crown member and professor of corporate governance Mijntje Lückerath, covers 81 Dutch listed companies.
The figures
The share of female supervisory directors has stabilised at 44 percent. At 71 of the 81 companies, at least one third of the supervisory board is female. The share of female managing directors rose slightly, from 17 to 18 percent. Of the 33 newly appointed managing directors, six are women (18 percent), compared with 26 percent in 2025 and 32 percent in 2024. At 55 of the 81 companies, the management board is still entirely male. At 21 companies, both the management board and the supervisory board consist of at least one third women, up from 17 in 2025.
What does the law require?
Since 1 January 2022, the Dutch act on the gender quota and targets has applied. Listed companies must have a supervisory board consisting of at least one third women and at least one third men. In addition, the act requires more than 5,000 large companies to set targets and action plans for their top and senior management and to report on them. Reports for financial year 2025 could be filed until 31 October 2026.
Practical tips
Check whether your company qualifies as a large company subject to the targets regime.
Build targets and an action plan into the annual governance cycle, with a clear owner on the management or supervisory board.
Include diversity in board profiles and appointment procedures.
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This blog provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice on a specific situation, please contact us.
