Women’s Representation in C-Suite Roles Stands at 19%, Study Finds
28 JAN 2025
This article highlights the findings of a study by Avtar, revealing that women occupy just 19% of C-suite roles in India, significantly below the global average.
The presence of women in leadership positions in India remains limited, with only 19 per cent occupying C-suite roles, according to a recent study by Avtar, a workplace culture consulting firm. Despite initiatives by Indian corporations and regulatory bodies to improve gender diversity, the number lags significantly behind the global average of 30 per cent. This highlights the ongoing need for focused efforts to create a more balanced representation at the top levels of management.
The study points out that one of the major challenges preventing women from advancing to leadership roles is the difficulty in managing work-life balance. Nearly 60 per cent of respondents identified this as a key issue. For substantial progress, companies need to cultivate an environment that not only supports women's career growth but also addresses the unique challenges they face.
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President of the Avtar Group, noted that systemic challenges disproportionately affect women in India. She emphasized the importance of diversity-driven executive recruitment strategies, which provide a more inclusive approach to hiring and promotion. These strategies aim to make the path to leadership more accessible for women by focusing on equitable practices.
The study also highlights concerns related to the retention of women in leadership positions. Attrition rates at senior levels have been troubling, particularly during the pandemic. In 2019, the rate was at 4 per cent, but it increased significantly to 10 per cent in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic on women’s careers. Although there has been some improvement in recent years, with the rate dropping to 9 per cent in 2023 and 8 per cent in 2024, it still remains above pre-pandemic levels. These figures underscore the challenges companies face in retaining women in leadership roles.
Another issue identified in the study is the persistence of gender bias in hiring and promotions. About 44 per cent of respondents flagged this as a significant hurdle to achieving gender equality at the top. Some believe that adopting data-driven approaches and using artificial intelligence could reduce bias and provide women with fairer opportunities to rise to leadership positions.
The shortage of qualified female candidates for leadership roles also emerged as a critical concern, highlighted by 41 per cent of respondents. This shortage is closely linked to workplace culture, the difficulty of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and the ongoing presence of gender bias. Addressing these interconnected challenges is essential for meaningful progress in increasing the representation of women in leadership.
The study concludes by urging companies to undertake broad reforms to build a more inclusive and supportive culture. By providing better opportunities and addressing the underlying challenges, organisations can help ensure greater representation of women in leadership positions across India.
1734173356.jpg)
