Women occupy 19% of C-suite roles in India; gender bias persists: Study

One of the primary obstacles hindering women's progress to leadership positions is the challenge of work-life integration,, revealed a study conducted by Avtar, a workplace culture consulting firm

Despite ongoing efforts by Indian corporations and regulatory bodies to improve gender diversity, women continue to hold just 19 per cent of C-suite roles in India, according to a study conducted by Avtar, a workplace culture consulting firm. This figure remains significantly lower than the global average of 30 per cent, underscoring the urgent need for targeted initiatives to bridge this gap.  

 

One of the primary obstacles hindering women’s progress to leadership positions is the challenge of work-life integration, cited by approximately 60 per cent of respondents in the study. For this to change, companies would need to focus on creating an environment that supports women's long-term career growth, adds the study cited in The Times of India report.  

 

“Our research reveals that multiple factors continue to limit the advancement of women to the C-suite. Given the systemic barriers that affect women in India more acutely, an effective approach to bridge the gender gap is through targeted diversity-driven executive searches. These searches offer customised and comprehensive strategies to ensure an equitable recruitment and advancement process,” Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President of the Avtar Group, told TOI.  

 

Attrition rates at senior leadership levels present an additional concern. During the pandemic, these rates rose sharply from 4 per cent in 2019 to 10 per cent in 2020, primarily due to its disproportionate impact on women’s careers. Although slight improvements were noted in 2023 (down to 9 per cent) and 2024 (further declining to 8 per cent), the figures remain above pre-pandemic levels, indicating ongoing challenges in retaining women in leadership roles.   

Sharing her views on the issue, Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe, said, "The fact that only 19 per cent of C-suite roles in India are held by women is not a reflection of a lack of capability -- it is a reflection of systemic barriers that continue to hold women back. For too long, opportunities have been allocated based on assumptions rather than merit, reinforcing a cycle where women are overlooked for the very roles they are capable of excelling in."

 

She added, "This report underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to gender diversity in corporate India. While regulatory mandates have attempted to bridge the gap, true change will come only when organisations move beyond compliance and actively work to de-bias systems, rethink leadership pipelines, and foster workplace cultures where all talent can thrive."

 

Gender bias at workplace 

 

Gender bias in hiring and promotion also continues to impede progress, with 44 per cent of respondents identifying this issue. Many believe that data-driven approaches and the use of artificial intelligence could help minimise bias, thereby fostering more equitable opportunities for women in leadership positions.  

 

Another significant hurdle is the shortage of qualified female candidates for leadership roles, highlighted by 41 per cent of respondents. This issue is closely linked to challenges such as organisational culture, work-life balance, and persistent gender bias, all of which must be addressed to achieve meaningful progress in gender diversity at the top.  

 

The study calls for comprehensive organisational reforms to build a supportive culture, enhance opportunities, and ensure the representation of women in leadership roles across India.  "The 19 per cent statistic is a stark reminder of the disparity that exists, but it is also an opportunity. By breaking down informal barriers and outdated norms, businesses can build inclusive environments that drive both equity and performance. The path forward is clear -- organisations that cultivate diverse leadership will not just do the right thing, they will also unlock greater innovation, resilience, and long-term success," added Garg.