Supporting Women In Leadership: Unveiling Strategies And Allies

In a nation as diverse and vibrant as India, diversity and the inclusion of women in all workplaces is essential to embark on a journey towards progress and social transformation. Women leaders are needed worldwide, from leading businesses to running nations.

According to the recent DivHERsity Benchmarking Report 2022–2023 powered by HerKey (formerly JobsForHer), the hiring of women at mid-management to senior levels in India witnessed a remarkable increase. In 2021, women accounted for 19% of the hires in these positions, and by 2022, this percentage rose to 26%. It is noteworthy that in 2022, the representation of women in senior leadership positions among the participating companies reached 37%, which is equal to the proportion of women at the entry-level.

Even though women enter the workforce in equal numbers as men, a woman's career ladder is often an uphill battle. From having effective workplace rules, processes, and support in place to offering exceptional benefits, a strong commitment to inclusiveness, and networking opportunities, organisations need to put these strategies in place to attract, retain and develop more women leaders. 

Offering Development Programs

Women's Leadership Development Programs enhance women's skills, provide resources, and support their success in leadership roles. Companies should offer leadership development programs that address gender-specific challenges, foster confidence, and promote equality. By nurturing women's leadership potential, they contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce, benefiting organizations as well as society. Learning is a critical enabler of the leadership ladder, and the report shows that 76% of companies provide leadership training programs, while 57% are exclusively for women.

Encouraging Networking

Leaders need a network of champions who can provide guidance, support, and advocacy. Women's networks play a crucial role in supporting and fostering a sense of community among women. Firms should provide a platform for women to connect, learn from each other, and share experiences. These networks also enable women to provide feedback on policies and practices, ensuring they are inclusive and address their unique needs. Ultimately, professional networks enable women to create meaningful connections, advance their careers, and break through barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Celebrating Triumphs

Recognising and honouring women's accomplishments plays a major role in encouraging future generations and catalyzing the emergence of women in leadership roles. By sharing the stories and appreciating the motives of successful women in the organisation, women can inspire others and build a supportive ecosystem that encourages gender diversity and leadership.

The Power of Allies: Advocating for Change

Men play a vital role in supporting women as they ascend to leadership roles. As colleagues and superiors, men can actively engage as mentors and coaches for women professionals, believing in their capabilities and advocating for their progress. By fostering a strong support network both at work and at home, women can pursue their careers while still pursuing personal aspirations.

Moreover, it's important for men to appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences that women bring to the table.

Embracing this diversity leads to more creative solutions and improved decision-making processes. By acknowledging cognitive biases and welcoming healthy debates in decision-making, better outcomes and a more inclusive work environment can be achieved. 

Together, men can collaborate to establish a workplace where every individual, regardless of gender, feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. This collective effort contributes to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Amplifying Voices for a Sustainable Future

While progress has been made in narrowing the gender gap over the past decade, more focused efforts are still needed. Achieving this requires collaborative actions from individuals, societies, governments, and global organizations. Gender equality and diversity in leadership are moral imperatives and strategic advantages for organisations. By implementing the recommended strategies and working together, organisations can cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace, thereby paving the path for future leaders. 

As we navigate through this decade of proactive measures, it's essential to understand that achieving gender equality isn't an isolated goal; instead, it plays a central role in accomplishing all our sustainable development objectives. The journey toward achieving true gender balance comes with its own challenges. Nevertheless, by embracing these approaches, leaders can identify disparities, set goals, and implement strategies that foster an environment conducive to the success of every individual, regardless of their gender.

Authored by Neha Bagaria, Founder & CEO, HerKey (Formerly JobsForHer)

Views expressed by the author are their own

Suggested reading: Challenging Stereotypes To Create Gender-Inclusive Workplaces