The Role of Women’s Leadership in India’s Progress

Abstract

In India, where approximately 663 million women reside, with 450 million within the working age range of 15 to 64 years, the landscape of women in leadership is evolving. Today, women in India are better educated and highly aspirational. According to a survey conducted by CII with 700 working women, more than 40% of the respondents expressed aspirations to rise to the top of their respective companies. Enabling women’s entry and retention in the workforce has been a focal point of efforts towards women’s economic empowerment in India. The government has implemented numerous policies supportive of women at work, including Equal Pay for Equal Work, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, the Maternity Benefits Act and the establishment of hostels for working women. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive and secure work environment for women across different sectors. It’s important to note that India is not a homogenous space, and more than 90% of women in the country are engaged in the informal sector, often with limited job security. Recognizing this disparity, India’s extensive network of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in both rural and urban areas becomes crucial. These groups, supported by both government and non-government organizations, provide a ray of hope for promoting women’s economic empowerment, particularly through entrepreneurship.

Introduction

The Indian government, through schemes like SVEP, NRETP, Mudra Yojana, Annapurna, and Udyogini, is actively promoting women’s entrepreneurship, especially in rural areas, by offering training and collateral-free finance. At the same time, the corporate sector is evolving, with initiatives focused on gender diversity, mentorship, leadership training, and support for women-led businesses, extending even to informal sector women through community programs.

Despite progress, challenges remain, including social barriers, lack of formal leadership pathways, and structural biases. Recognizing this, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) launched a Centre on Women Leadership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aiming to break barriers and build ecosystems for women’s economic leadership across sectors.

During India’s G20 Presidency, numerous Indian women leaders — entrepreneurs, activists, diplomats, and educators — played key roles in advancing global dialogues around:

• Inclusive growth and economic empowerment

• Climate action with a gender lens

• Digital inclusion

• Education and innovation

• Social justice and legal reform

• International cooperation

• Leadership development and mentorship

The W20 (Women 20) engagement group significantly influenced G20 discussions, advocating for:

• Women’s economic inclusion and equal pay

• Leadership representation across all sectors

• Gender-responsive climate policies

• Elimination of gender-based violence

• Access to education, healthcare, and digital resources

The collective efforts of government, industry, civil society, and global platforms like W20 are paving the way toward a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered future for women in India and beyond.

Conclusion

Overall, Women\'s leadership in India has resulted in numerous positive outcomes. In politics, women leaders have worked towards legislation for women\'s rights, healthcare, and education, thereby amplifying the voice of women at both the local and national levels. In the corporate world, women leaders have shattered the glass ceiling, contributing to the growth and success of various industries. Moreover, women-led initiatives in social and grassroots organizations have brought significant changes in education, healthcare, and women\'s empowerment at the grassroots level. Indian women leaders have also played an influential role on the international stage. By representing India in global forums, they advocate for the nation\'s priorities, including gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development. Their leadership contributes to shaping global policies and frameworks, making India\'s voice heard in international discussions. The role, importance, significance, and outcomes of women\'s leadership in India are profound and far-reaching. Women leaders are agents of change, driving social, economic, and political progress in the country. Their influence is evident across various sectors, from grassroots organizations to boardrooms and parliament halls. As India continues to embrace women\'s leadership and promote gender equality, the nation stands to benefit from a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Empowering women and supporting their leadership aspirations are essential steps towards building a stronger and more prosperous India for all. India\'s G20 Presidency served as a transformative moment, celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Indian women in leadership roles, who have exemplified their role in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. To ensure continued progress, governments, organizations, and societies must support and empower women in leadership positions. By breaking barriers and fostering an environment that values diversity and inclusivity, we can harness the full potential of women leaders, creating a more prosperous, sustainable, and harmonious world for all. As we move forward, the legacy of Indian women leaders during the G20 Presidency must inspire future generations, propelling them toward a future where women\'s leadership is celebrated and embraced worldwide. Only then can we achieve the transformative changes needed to address global challenges and create a better world for everyone.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Najukram Bankar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.