Building cultures & plugging gaps: Paving the long road to women's inclusion at work

Abstract: Diversity and inclusion are currently extremely popular subject matters of discussion at work places. While the global female labor force participation has remained fairly flat over the last three decades, in India it has declined. Many companies speak of their earnest commitment to gender equity. However, to what extent have these discussions and claims of commitment, translated into meaningful progress? Women still remain under-represented at every level. Processes of hiring and promotion continue to favour men. Income disparities remain significantly noticeable. We must develop cultures of work wherein all employees feel respected and have equal opportunities to grow and advance. This article explores the inequalities that continue to persist, the factors that contribute to gender gaps and our recommendations to address these gaps in the work sector. We place emphasis on the need for companies to take more decisive action by treating gender diversity as a business priority and embedding it into policies that make work places more welcoming for women.