A Study on Ensuring Women Participation at the Workplace

Abstract

Various organizations have been taking up the mantle of gender diversity - from implementing new policies to improving the conditions and development opportunities for women employees to increasing the female presence in boardrooms. Available data indicate that only 15% of the board seats in the Indian Listed Companies is held by women. Besides, based on the 'Global Gender Gap Report' (2017), released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India is currently
ranked on gender equality scale at the 108th position among 144 countries - slipping from 87th position in 2016. India has the lowest female labour-force participation rates (FLFPRs) in the World. This is being considered as a drag on GDP growth and as an obstacle to achieving a higher economic growth rate. Research studies indicate that if India is able to reduce the current labour-force gender gap by half, the Indian Economy could grow over $150 billion during the
next three years. This paper focuses on identifying measures to achieving gender parity and drawing the attention of the role of stakeholders, boards and government bodies in implementing safety standards, institutional transparency and structural support. It is also envisaged that setting in place an appropriate legal framework would facilitate women to realize their potential, achieve professional goals and encourage greater work-force participation.