'Special measures' needed to see why few women occupy top jobs

Should British companies be compelled to put more women in the boardroom? The European Union may soon decide to legislate for mandatory quotas, following a three-month consultation period.

New research published by BBC News Online demonstrates how few women occupy top jobs in the corporate world - or the worlds of politics, the law and academia.

Philippa Thomas spoke to Cherie Blair, who has set up a foundation to mentor female entrepreneurs, about what she believes can be done to get more women to the top.