In most countries of the world, there is now an increasing consensus that greater diversity on boards is better for companies, markets, and society as a whole. Whether it is in CG codes, rules/laws, or best practice, this is a trend that is bound to accelerate more.
France is close to approving a bill that would require public company boards to be comprised at least 40%by women directors in about five years. Norway already has such a40% quota, along with Spain (40% by 2015). Italy and Belgium are considering similar bills.
This repletereport by the Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance coversrecent changes in most countries of the world:
http://bdti.mastertree.jp/f/jzvau9dl
The Board Director Training Institute (BDTI) is a "public interest" nonprofit in Japan dedicated to training about directorship, corporate governance, and related management techniques. It is certified by the Japanese government to conduct these activities as a regulated nonprofit. Read a summary about BDTI here, and see a menu of its services for both corporations and investors here.