In today’s fast-paced corporate world, women increasingly occupy prominent leadership roles and leave a lasting impression. From senior management positions to top-level executives, female leaders demonstrate their value at every step of the corporate ladder. As we move forward into an inclusive future, the involvement of more women in leadership roles isn’t just about being fair; it’s about making things work better and achieving success together. Based on a comprehensive study, organisations prioritising diverse leadership teams see a major 19% increase in revenue generated from fresh and innovative ideas.

Empowering women

Women leaders in the corporate world hold a pivotal role, offering diverse perspectives, innovative problem-solving solutions, and inclusive management styles. Their influence extends beyond decision-making, encouraging collaboration and empowerment among colleagues. Last year, under India’s presidency, the G20 drew inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary “Amrit Kaal” initiative, which celebrates the prowess of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) across all sectors of the economy and society. Building upon this vision, India’s leadership in 2024 has shifted its focus from mere women's development to the concept of “women-led development” for the first time. This strategic shift served as a notable platform to highlight the outstanding contributions of Indian women in various leadership roles.

Boardroom diversity in business

Research indicates that the presence of women on corporate boards significantly impacts various business aspects. Companies with higher female representation on their boards experience enhanced cohesion and decision-making and exhibit greater corporate social responsibility. Boardrooms with balanced gender representation are nearly 20% more likely to enhance overall business performance. According to a recent EY report, nearly 95% of the NIFTY 500 companies have a woman on the board of directors. However, less than 5% of companies have female chairpersons, indicating ample room for improvement in gender equality.

A report released in 2022 on "Diversity in the Boardroom - Progress and the Way Forward" underscores the importance of boosting gender diversity. From 2013-2022, women's representation on boards has increased from 13% to 18%. The current 18% female representation on Indian boards is essentially a result of the Indian corporate law mandate.

Women steering success

The importance of women in leadership has often been sidelined in the past. However, research consistently indicates that companies led by women often experience enhanced financial performance and increased innovation. Their diverse perspectives and fresh ideas improve problem-solving and decision-making processes. Moreover, their strong communication skills, empathetic approach, and collaborative management style promote a positive workplace culture and boost morale. According to a 2023 report, women hold 32% of senior management positions globally, signalling progress but also highlighting the need for continued growth. A global perspective report by Deloitte reveals a gradual increase in the number of board seats held by women across India Inc., with women holding 18.3% of board seats in 2023, up from 13.8% in 2018. However, it is lower than the global average of 23.3%. This indicates that even if India were to match the global pace, achieving gender parity on boards would remain a distant goal until a robust pipeline of women leaders is developed.

Rising tide of women in leadership roles

In 2024, the increasing prominence of women in leadership roles within corporate spheres marks a transformative shift towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusivity. It is imperative for businesses to actively facilitate this transition by redefining their approach to hiring and promotion, fostering a supportive environment, and championing diversity as a core value. At Bharti Real Estate, the significance and relevance of women in leadership positions are well-recognised. Consequently, our leadership team comprises 33% women leaders. Additionally, we are collaborating with numerous institutions of both engineering and management to advance the status of women in the real estate sector, thereby achieving a broader sectoral advantage.