Law 2021-1774 (also known as the Rixain Law/Loi Rixain, after its main sponsor) has amended various laws to promote gender equality in the workplace, education and in general business practices. The employment-related changes include introducing minimum gender-based quotas for senior executive employees and board members in all large companies starting in 2026 and expanding reporting requirements related to the professional equality index (PEI) (see 2018 Global News Brief article: France: Gender pay reporting requirements announced).
The law will be implemented gradually between 2022 and 2029. Noteworthy provisions include:
The Rixain Law is the latest in a series of measures taken in recent years to address gender inequality. According to the most recent PEI data (2020), fewer than two of the 10 highest-paid employees were women in 43% of large employers. The gradual implementation of representation quotas is intended to give companies time to address the gender issues concerned and adapt their long-term planning. Employers should begin reviewing their employment, pay and reporting processes in order to remain compliant.