In India’s corporate sector, women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. This issue has been discussed for years, yet the number of women in executive roles remains low. The need for change is crucial, and a “Great Breakup” trend in the corporate sector is required to address this issue.
According to a report by Deloitte, women hold 17.1% of the board seats in India and globally,19.7% of the board seats are held by women. Factors contributing to this underrepresentation of women in leadership positions include systemic biases, societal norms, and lack of role models. Women also face several challenges in their journey to leadership positions, such as unconscious bias, stereotypes, and lack of support. The Deloitte report further stated that it would take over twenty years from now for the world to reach near-parity at this pace. The Benefits of Women in Leadership Positions Having women in leadership positions can benefit organizations in several ways. Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams have better financial performance, increased innovation, and enhanced corporate reputation. A diverse leadership team brings different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table, resulting in better decision-making and problem-solving. According to a recent EY study, businesses with at least 30% women in leadership roles may boost their net margins by up to 6%. However, only five nations, however, possess up to 30% of women in leadership positions.