The first two parts of the report address the general and specific causes of unequal access for women and men to senior positions in public functions (gender stereotypes, obstacles to professional life, career development, etc.). The third and fourth parts open up avenues and put forward proposals to promote equal access for women and men to senior positions in the civil service (concrete, monitored and evaluated objectives; improving knowledge of inequalities; reduce and organise working time; take action on access routes and recruitment conditions; intervene in career development; develop cross-cutting actions to promote recommendations).