Every year, we mark International Women's Day with hope and celebration. Yet, despite the uplifting statistics, real progress in gender equality seems all too incremental. While the numbers suggest a promising trend, one must wonder—do they truly reflect the everyday realities and challenges women still face?
As India strives to become the world's third-largest economy, unlocking the full potential of its female workforce is essential. Women's active participation in the economy isn't merely a social necessity—it serves as a strategic engine capable of significantly boosting the nation's GDP. Yet, hurdles such as limited boardroom representation, ongoing wage disparities, and scarce leadership opportunities continue to impede progress for women.
India is ahead of many developed economies in advancing gender diversity in leadership. According to Grant Thornton Bharat's Women in Business 2025 report, women now hold 36.5% of senior management roles, up from 33.9% in 2024. However, at the current pace, true gender parity remains over 25 years away, the report adds.
"The rise in women’s leadership roles is a testament to progress, but sustainable gender parity goes beyond statistics—it’s about access, support, and long-term change. At HCCB, we are committed to building a workplace where women are not just present but empowered to lead with confidence. This means investing in mentorship, leadership training, and policies that remove systemic barriers. The goal is not just to close the gender gap but to create an environment where equity is a given, not an aspiration," says Saba Sharma, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages (HCCB).
While policy initiatives and corporate commitments signal a positive shift, the journey from boardroom statistics to everyday empowerment is complex. Economic growth and gender parity are intertwined, and recognising this connection is vital to understanding why structural change must accompany numerical improvements.
Adding to the sentiment Ritika Taneja, Head of Ecommerce, GroupM India, says, "India's progress towards gender diversity in leadership is commendable, with women now occupying 36.5% of senior management roles, marking an encouraging rise from 33.9% in 2024 and surpassing several developed economies. However, true gender parity is projected to remain over two decades away, signaling that our current efforts, while impactful, must significantly intensify. Global research consistently shows that gender-diverse leadership teams deliver stronger financial results, with diverse organizations being 25% more likely to outperform their peers. Businesses prioritizing gender inclusivity not only fulfill a vital social responsibility but also strategically position themselves for sustained growth, innovation, and resilience. Corporate India must commit to systemic and cultural shifts, actively nurturing inclusive and equitable environments."
According to Meghna Agarwal, Executive Director & COO, IndiQube, “This requires a collective effort. We must build a robust ecosystem of investors, mentors, and allies who believe in the potential of ambitious women and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed. As these women rise, they can pay it forward by mentoring others, creating opportunities, and fostering a community that thrives on collaboration and shared success.”
Highlighting similar opinions, Sujatha Kshirsagar, President at Career Launcher, India’s leading edtech and test prep platform, says, “Accelerating this progress demands collective action. Organisations must foster inclusive cultures, invest in mentorship, and create equitable opportunities. At Career Launcher, we are committed to empowering women to lead with confidence and vision. Together, we can drive lasting change and ensure leadership truly reflects the diverse talent our nation holds.”
Turning talk into tangible outcomes resonates deeply in a landscape where systemic change is long overdue. It’s a reminder that while recognition and discussion are essential, the true measure of progress lies in the practical steps taken to dismantle barriers and empower women across all sectors.
"Equality isn’t just a goal—it's the foundation for real progress. When we remove the barriers holding women back, we don’t just create opportunities for them; we create a stronger, more innovative world for everyone. But change doesn’t happen through words alone. It happens when we challenge biases, amplify voices that have been silenced, and ensure that every woman, whether an entrepreneur, a leader, or a changemaker, has the support to turn her potential into reality. This International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond conversation and commit to action that makes equality something we live for, not just something we strive for," says Neena Dasgupta, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Salt Inc.
Social dynamics that affect women’s careers are often overlooked, such as the importance of a supportive home environment, which is critical for balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
“India offers abundant opportunities, and when it comes to leadership roles, women are not being denied a chance. With diversity-promoting rules, policies, and an increasing number of opportunities, the real challenge lies in family support. As women rise to high-responsibility positions, their roles demand significant commitment, making it unrealistic to manage all duties alone. They need more support as men were given where they can try different things and not go to the parent’s teacher’s meeting or their friend’s birthday party without feeling guilty,” says Shradha Agarwal, Co-Founder & Global CEO, Grapes Worldwide.
While significant strides have been made, the journey toward gender equality is far from over. The combined efforts of corporate leaders, communities, and policymakers are essential in turning the promise of progress into everyday reality. This ongoing dialogue serves as both a celebration of achievements and a roadmap for future action, reminding us that sustained commitment is key to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
