Why Are Women Still Underrepresented in Leadership Roles Across Key Sectors in India?

Despite significant strides in women-led entrepreneurship, the representation of women in leadership roles across corporate, judiciary, and other critical sectors in India remains disproportionately low. The report “Women and Men in India 2023” by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation sheds light on these disparities, providing insights into both challenges and progress.

Corporate Leadership: The Gender Divide

In 2023, only 34,879 women held senior management positions in corporate firms, compared to 1,86,946 men. Similarly, the number of women on Boards of Directors was 7,62,712, compare to 19,75,487men.
The data indicates a troubling gap in managerial positions as well:

Position

Women (2023)

Men (2023)

Senior Management

34,879

1,86,946

Board Members

7,62,712

19,75,487

Middle Management

7,38,949

18,60,348

Although the number of women in senior management has risen from 23,685 in 2017 to 34,879 in 2023, the proportional increase for men in the same roles is significantly higher, reflecting a slower pace of gender parity in corporate leadership.

Judiciary: A Limited Representation

The judiciary fares no better. Women constitute only:

14% of judges in High Courts

9% of judges in the Supreme Court

The report emphasizes the need for institutional, social, and behavioral changes to address the glaring gap in judicial decision-making roles.

Encouraging Signs in Entrepreneurship

In contrast to corporate and judicial leadership, entrepreneurship showcases a more promising trend. The number of women-led start-ups jumped from 1,528 in 2017 to 17,001 in 2023, a significant rise. Additionally:

47.6% of all start-ups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) since its inception were women-led, amounting to 55,816 start-ups.

Year

Women-led Start-ups

2017

1,528

2023

17,001

 The report notes that women entrepreneurs contribute to demographic shifts, inspire new generations, and generate employment opportunities, playing a transformative role in society.

The Need for More Women in Leadership

The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions affects more than just individual careers. Women leaders often champion issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, which directly benefit communities. Increasing female representation in leadership roles, whether in politics, judiciary, or corporate settings, can lead to more equitable governance and decision-making processes.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap

To reduce the gender gap, systemic interventions are necessary, including targeted policies, gender-sensitization programs, and fostering environments that support women’s advancement. Encouraging trends in entrepreneurship demonstrates the potential of women to excel in leadership when opportunities are accessible. Expanding this progress to other sectors will not only enhance inclusivity but also drive social and economic growth for the nation.

References

·         Women and Men in India 2023, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

·         Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Reports.

·         Ministry of Corporate Affairs Data (2023).

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