More than 90 per cent of the 227 women business leaders from across sectors surveyed said that gender diversity was beneficial for the growth of their own organisation. About half of the respondents in the survey, titled Women Leaders: Change Agents For Gender Responsive Organisations, were from top management while more than a quarter were from senior- and middle-management positions and the rest from junior positions.
"We believe that women leaders would be better placed to understand and appreciate the constraints faced by women in the workforce, thereby leading the change," said Namita Vikas, country head, responsible for banking at YES Bank. "Being in decision-making positions, and perhaps with the hindsight of their own experiences, they may better align their organisations to support the professional growth of their women employees, and help them realise their full potential," she said.
The findings of the survey strongly indicate that women leaders, irrespective of their place in the corporate hierarchy, are focussed on excelling in their workplace.
Gender stereotyping, a lack of leadership opportunities and a pay disparity between men and women were some common challenges women face in their career, according to the survey. Regular one-to-one meetings to monitor career progress, training programmes on skill and personality development, rewards and recognition programmes and special focus groups can go a long way towards correcting the problem, the study showed.
Women leaders themselves are championing various initiatives for a more gender responsive workplace — 56 per cent are focusing on creating more leadership opportunities for women, 53 per cent are striving towards better workplace conditions — including maternity and childcare privileges, 46 per cent are creating more employment opportunities for women, and 29 per cent are focusing on improving parity in compensation among men and women.
