Gender inclusivity in global corporate boardrooms - is india the tortoise in the race

Abstract

Corporate boardroom gender balance has been a matter of debate and serious concern calling for corrective measures in recent time. Gender inclusivity and women participation in workforce is used as one of the alternatives to accelerate growth in an economy. While workforce participation seems to have increased significantly, women elevation to boardrooms still leaves a lot to be desired across the globe with the exception of few western European nations. This research study, which is purely exploratory in nature, attempt to highlight board room gender balance or the lack of the same, globally and in India. It uses publicly available information, from reports, publications and research papers as well as published information from the annual reports of companies. The analysis is carried out using tables, chart and percentages. It is expected that the study may bring out a yearning gap between the west and the east and suggest measures to minimize the gender imbalance at the helm of affairs of corporate management.