Overview:
- Understanding the struggles faced by women in the workplace
- Discussing the milestones achieved
- An in-depth overview of some inspiring women who have broken the glass ceiling
- Challenges faced and how to overcome them
It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Women face various challenges to break into multiple industries. Deep-rooted social conditioning, balancing work and home, unconscious biases, and a lack of appropriate mentorship hinder the growth of women. Studies have shown that the journey from entry-level positions to senior roles is filled with obstacles for women. These invisible barriers that hold women back from reaching their full potential are referred to as the glass ceiling.
Breaking the Boys’ Club
Women have been challenging gender norms and stereotypes for a long time. Despite the prominence of the “boy’s club” mentality, more women today are breaking through. A glimmer of hope emerges as women’s representation on boards has increased from 6% in 2013 to 18.3% in 2023. The latest AIMA-KPMG Report reveals that 83% of the surveyed organizations displayed a higher number of women in leadership roles in 2024 compared to a decade ago. Furthermore, 49% observed a declining drop out rate of women from leadership positions. These changes were augmented by the introduction of the Companies Act of 2013 and the SEBI’s 2014 rules. The Companies Act of 2013 required certain classes of companies to have at least one woman director on their boards. SEBI’s 2014 rules limited independent directors’ tenures to two consecutive terms i.e. 10 years. These measures aimed to enhance gender diversity and leadership within corporate boards.
Claiming the Corner Office: Success in the Technology Sector
As we witness these promising shifts, it’s essential to recognize the women who have rightfully claimed their place in the corner office. Let’s delve into the stories of some remarkable women who have shattered barriers.
Debjani Ghosh
Debjani Ghosh was the first woman to be appointed as the President of the NASSCOM. She was a key driving force behind the “Think Digital, Think India” strategy aimed at boosting India’s digital capabilities.
Ghosh has received numerous accolades for her contributions. In January 2018, Debjani was felicitated by the President of India under the auspices of the ‘First Ladies’ program.
She has been vocal about the challenges and opportunities for women in the corporate sector. Ghosh has often shared her experiences of being the only woman in the room during board meetings and seminars. She calls it the ‘five-minute challenge’, when she gets condescending looks at an all-male meeting. She encourages women to turn such situations to their advantage by showcasing their expertise.
Ghosh highlights the importance of mentorship and support networks for women in the corporate sector. She credits her career-changing stint at Intel to the guidance of another woman leader.
Naina Lal Kidwai
Kidwai is a prominent figure in the finance and business sectors. She was the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School with an MBA. She has held key positions at several prestigious institutions like Morgan Stanley and HSBC. She was also the first woman president of FICCI.
Kidwai has received numerous accolades. These include the Padma Shri award and the ALL Ladies League’s Delhi Women of the Decade Achievers Award.
Kidwai is a strong advocate for gender diversity and women’s empowerment in the corporate world. She has stated that women who started their careers in the 80s often felt like fish in a bowl. They always felt like people were waiting for them to fail. Out of the 30 women CEOs she has conversed with, all had felt that pressure of having to work twice as hard to be heard, to be understood, and to make their way.
Mallika Srinivasan
Mallika Srinivasan is a distinguished figure in India’s industrial sector. She graduated from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, as a member of the Dean’s Honor List. She is the Chairman and Managing Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE). Under her leadership, TAFE expanded into various sectors, including tractors, farm machinery, diesel engines, generators, etc. She was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young and Woman Leader of the Year by Forbes India. Forbes Asia included her in the prestigious list of Top 50 Asia’s Power Businesswomen.
Under her leadership, TAFE has become a global mass manufacturer. Srinivasan is deeply committed to philanthropic causes. She supports organizations such as Sankara Nethralaya, a renowned eye care institution. Her contributions extend to educational and healthcare facilities in Alwarkurichi, Tirunelveli district in South India.
She has often spoken about the challenges women face in the corporate sector and the need for more women in leadership roles.
The Long Journey Ahead
These trailblazers are definitely setting the stage for more women to take up leadership roles. New female leadership hires in Indian companies have grown “significantly” since 2016. However, a report released by LinkedIn shows that more women are joining the workforce, but the leadership gaps have remained. According to the LinkedIn report, women face an evident challenge advancing into leadership roles in Indian organizations. The report shows that despite progress, women still face obstacles in reaching leadership roles. We need to take tangible steps towards narrowing gender disparities. Mentoring and sponsorship programs are instrumental in nurturing aspiring women leaders.
