India Inc Invests In Women Leaders: Building the Pipeline
Corporate India is taking substantial steps to foster the development of women leaders and provide them with increased opportunities for career advancement. These initiatives align with the global sustainable development goals that underscore the significance of inclusive workplaces in driving economic growth. Several prominent companies, including Infosys, Lowe’s India, Amazon, Cisco, ABB India, BT Group, Cummins India, and WeWork India, are actively involved in these efforts.
Key initiatives include the creation of programs to develop both tech and non-tech female talent, the establishment of mentoring groups, increased promotions for women, and the formation of external partnerships to support these endeavors. Moreover, these organizations are dedicated to addressing the issue of women leaving the workforce due to life events such as childbirth. They are implementing career re-entry programs, flexible work arrangements, lactation rooms, and support systems to ease the reintegration of women into the workplace after maternity leave.
For instance, Lowe’s India is launching a “high-potential women” program that covers engineering and non-engineering roles at all levels. Infosys is running the “#IamTheFuture” leadership program in collaboration with Stanford GSB to nurture female leaders in technology and management. Amazon is actively promoting female leaders through its Pinnacle program, and BT”s digital unit has introduced the “TechWomen” leadership development program.
While these initiatives are making strides in promoting gender diversity, challenges persist. The Women In Leadership report by consulting firm Flipcarbon reveals that nearly four in ten women make career compromises or exert extra effort to succeed. To address these challenges, it is imperative for companies to implement measures such as flexible work arrangements, equal pay, mentorship programs, and manager training.
As Corporate India takes commendable steps toward gender diversity and women”s leadership development, it”s worth noting that another significant milestone awaits. The long-anticipated Women”s Reservation Bill was passed after 27 years of long wait, which seeks to reserve one-third of seats in India”s Parliament and state legislatures for women, remains a crucial piece of legislation that would further empower women in leadership roles at the highest levels of governance. Its enactment would signify a monumental step forward in promoting gender equality and representation in India”s political landscape.
