Reveals statistics from recent survey by American NGO; top bosses agree women are bound by societal and family pressures
Reveals statistics from recent survey by American NGO; top bosses agree women are bound by societal and family pressures The term 'glass ceiling' does not seem to be just a misconception or an exaggeration. There are definitely impediments for working women to grow and prosper.
A recently published survey by American NGO Catalyst titled 'Leadership Gender Gap in India Inc: Myths and Realities', analyses the status of women in corporate leadership roles in the country.
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The comparison with roles of women in other countries has revealed that only 11 per cent of India Inc's CEOs are women.
The report by Deepali Bagati and Nancy Carter has busted some popular myths about Indian women in the work force.
According to the report, India ranks 114th among 134 countries surveyed in the Global Gender Gap Index. India is also second last, just a position above from Pakistan, in Asia when it comes to gender equality.
MiD DAY spoke to a few women CEOs and human resource officials to find out if the survey reflects the truth.
Abha Singh, director of Postal Services (Maharastra & Goa), well known as a finalist of the Lead India campaign, said that societal pressure and social conditioning hold back women.
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"Our mythology gives us a Sita who sacrifices all for her husband. This thinking pattern affects women when it comes to their careers.
Most women are willing to sacrifice their careers for the sake of their families and hence, we have only a few women leaders."
The report also states that according to 55 per cent women, the main reason for taking a temporary leave from work was to take care of family.
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While pursuing interests not related to career was the reason stated by 50 per cent men for taking temporary leave.
Rinku Appalwar, director finance of Emmbi Polyarns who won the 'Leader in Manufacturing' award at the Women Leaders in India awards last week, said, "While interviewing, I often ask interviewees where they see themselves professionally in the next five years.
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Most women are unable to answer as they are brought up in an environment where it is decided that once married, they'll quit their jobs to take care of the family."
Singh said that well-known female corporate leaders are generally successors like wives or daughters of successful businessmen. "We need role models from the meritocracy to inspire the middle class women," said Singh.
The survey also predicts a talent gap of more than 5 million by 2012 considering Indian economy's growth rate.
Ilene H Lang, president & CEO, Catalyst said, "Recognising that women are essential to business can benefit corporate India."
An HR manager with a media house said that while hiring gender does matter at times.u00a0 "Working hours, shifts, etc. are things to be taken into consideration. As for women leaders, their thought process tends to be very organised."u00a0
Ameya Joshi, senior human resources manager with an advertising agency, said, "In advertising, most women leaders I have come across have an inborn ability to multi-task and are great at team management."
