The Necessity of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at the Workplace: Paving the Path for Women in Leadership

As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8, it is imperative to reflect on how diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) at the workplace can unlock opportunities for women and foster leadership across industries. Women have been integral to India’s socio-economic progress, yet gender disparities persist in leadership roles. It is time to break these barriers and ensure a more inclusive workforce.

Swami Vivekananda rightly said, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.” His words resonate even today, emphasizing the need for gender-balanced leadership in every sphere of society.

From Freedom Movements to Boardrooms: The Evolution of Women’s Leadership

Women have played a pivotal role in shaping India’s destiny, from the freedom struggle to holding prominent positions in modern industries. Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu, and Kasturba Gandhi were instrumental in India’s fight for independence. Post-independence, leaders like Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw have paved the way for women to break societal barriers and lead with excellence.

Today, women are making remarkable strides in various sectors. In the corporate world, Nirmala Sitharaman as India’s Finance Minister and Madhabi Puri Buch as SEBI’s first female Chairperson exemplify the growing presence of women in key economic and financial sectors. However, despite their contributions, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across industries.

The Current State of Gender Diversity in Leadership

The statistics highlight the gender gap in leadership roles. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, India ranks 127th out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity. Women make up only 18% of leadership positions in India’s corporate sector, with an even lower percentage in boardrooms. While the participation of women in the workforce has improved, there is still a long way to go in achieving true equity.

Why DEI Matters in Leadership?

• Better Decision-Making – Research suggests that diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making and problem-solving, enhancing organizational performance.
• Higher Economic Growth – A McKinsey report indicates that organizations with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability.
• Workplace Innovation – Inclusion fosters creativity and innovation, as different perspectives contribute to groundbreaking solutions.
• Equitable Opportunities – Providing equal access to leadership roles ensures fairness and dismantles historical biases.

Strategies to Enhance Women’s Leadership Participation

• Mentorship & Sponsorship Programs: Senior women leaders mentoring emerging talent can help bridge the leadership gap.
• Equal Pay & Promotions: Organizations must conduct regular audits to ensure pay parity and fair promotions.
• Flexible Work Policies: Women often juggle professional and personal responsibilities. Implementing flexible work hours and parental leave policies can support work-life balance.
• DEI Training: Sensitizing employees about unconscious bias can create a more inclusive and respectful work environment.

As we celebrate Women’s Day on 8th March 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to making workplaces more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Women have proven their mettle time and again, and it is now our collective responsibility to create an ecosystem where they can rise to leadership positions without barriers. Organizations, policymakers, and society must work together to make gender-balanced leadership a reality, ensuring a stronger, more inclusive India for future generations.

Details of the Writer:

Priya Gupta
Chairperson, Women’s Forum
IIA India – Delhi Branch