Looking at the population profile, India is today the youngest nation with an average age of 25.1 years (Census of India, 2011). Almost 48% of the total population of India consists of females (Women in India, Statistical Indicators, WISI, 2011).
A larger percentage of this section is now able to benefit from the educational and training facilities available in India. So, it would be a sheer waste of resources if a major chunk of the young population, comprising women, is not utilized productively in the growth of the Nation.
Bridging the Gap: Women’s Workforce Participation in India
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. While India’s economy is often hailed as being on a fast track to growth, the reality of its workforce tells a different story—one marked by stark inequalities.
Across India, women’s participation in the workforce has been a subject of concern and contemplation. As per Labour Force Survey Report 2022-23 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in 2023, the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) stood at 37.0%, marking a significant improvement of 4.2 percentage points from previous years.
Yet, this figure still lags behind global averages, highlighting a vast reservoir of untapped potential. This glaring disparity highlights the uneven progress in women’s economic participation, raising urgent questions about the barriers holding them back.
The underrepresentation becomes even more pronounced in leadership positions. Recent studies reveal that women occupy less than a fifth of senior leadership roles in corporate India. As per the report by The Quantum Hub and LinkedIn, while 37% enter the workforce, only 18.5% reach the managerial level.
This glaring disparity highlights the uneven progress in women’s economic participation, raising urgent questions about the barriers holding them back. Such statistics not only reflect gender disparities but also hint at missed opportunities for innovation and growth.
Research consistently demonstrates that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams outperform their counterparts. They exhibit better financial performance, enhanced social responsibility, and improved employee engagement. Women leaders often prioritize ethical standards, fostering cultures of integrity and accountability.
Participation of women in any team increases its ability to look at diverse viewpoints, be more empathetic and lead to higher performance.
Leadership and Representation: Breaking Barriers for Women
Melinda Gates once said: “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” This sentiment resonates deeply in the Indian context. When women are empowered to lead and express their perspectives, they introduce diverse viewpoints that challenge conventional norms and drive transformative change.
Towards an Inclusive Future: Policies for Gender Diversity
However, the path to achieving such diversity is fraught with challenges.
India is mostly a patriarchal country with deeply ingrained social biases and established gender roles that prevent women from entering male-dominated fields. Many Indians believe that women should stay at home, care for their families, and not pursue careers outside the home.Â
Thus, societal expectations, safety concerns, and limited opportunities for advancement are just a few hurdles that women face. Despite progress in some areas, women continue to encounter barriers to equality, including unequal pay and discrimination based on gender.
The organizations need to be sensitive to women’s needs. They are traditionally designed around men, with the rules made by the men for the men. If some of the constraints of women are dealt with, the organizations can become more efficient and effective in retaining women employees
We need to write a new narrative where India’s growth and innovation are intrinsically linked to the inclusion of its women. By embracing and promoting gender diversity, India stands poised to unlock unprecedented economic and social potential. As Michelle Obama aptly stated, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” It’s time for India to harness this limitless potential fully.
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