Commissioner of Luxembourg’s cultural institutes and secretary general of the Luxembourg Commission for Unesco, is also a director at Kultur lx and Neimënster.

Paperjam: What are the main challenges you have faced as an independent female administrator?

Catherine Decker: I haven’t encountered any specific challenges. Maybe being less listened to as a woman.

How do you deal with any resistance or scepticism towards you?

By remaining factual, thoughtful and committed.

Do you think that gender equality is progressing on boards?

Not necessarily. A certain tendency to give more credit to men persists.

What do you think of quotas for women on boards?

Necessary to change the game, diversify viewpoints and broaden discussions.

As a female director, do you feel a particular responsibility to champion issues of parity and inclusion?

In the same way as other issues that are close to my heart.

In your opinion, how does diversity influence the performance of a board of directors?

It allows for a bigger picture, different approaches and more fleshed-out considerations.

What solutions or policies do you think could encourage better parity?

Giving more consideration to women, also in the appointment of management positions, and especially in the public sector, which seems to me to be lagging behind the private sector.

What advice would you give to a woman who is hesitant about starting out?

Know your subject and continue to train throughout your career, build up a professional network, maintain self-confidence despite the challenges and aim high.

Any moments in your career that illustrate the reality of being a woman in this role?

The first parity appointment was to my disadvantage: I was replaced by a man, as there were already too many women on the board in question.

What specific advice would you give to a young woman who wants to take her place in society?

Follow your passion with ardour and integrity and it will carry you and guide you.

This article was originally published in French.