Integrate . Elevate . Equalise
- 21st MARCH 2025
- SAHARA STAR, MUMBAI
Overview
“There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.” – Bosa Sebele
In 2025, the world stands at a pivotal juncture for gender equity, where achievements and challenges coexist. Across sectors and societies, women continue to set new benchmarks, redefining possibilities. The 2024 Paris Olympics achieved full gender parity, a first in the history of the sporting event, while the UN projects that women will outnumber men in the decades after 2050—a demographic shift that will reshape economies and societies alike.
In India, women’s voter turnout has surpassed men’s in multiple states, marking a transformative moment in political empowerment. In 2024, India’s Gender Budget crossed the ₹3 lakh crore-mark for the first time since its introduction in the 2005-06 Budget.
The path to true equity, however, remains fraught with systemic barriers. Corporate India’s gender equity story, for instance, remains a study in contrasts. According to various studies, while women representation in India Inc is close to 40 per cent at the entry level, the overall representation is stagnant at 36.6 per cent. In top leadership roles, while there’s meaningful progress, with women’s representation on boards increasing from 6 percent in 2013 to 18.3 percent in 2023, it continues to fall short of global standards. Not only just 1.6 per cent of MDs and CEOs in Fortune 500 companies are women, but their representation on corporate boards too remains low, with only 1.8 per cent of Fortune 500 companies having at least three female directors as of FY23. In key sectors like IT, none of the top 54 companies listed in the NSE-1000 index have a female CEO. These numbers underscore the enormity of the work still required.
The silver lining lies in the undeniable fact that diverse workplaces lead to better outcomes. Research consistently shows that companies with at women on their boards report superior economic performance, higher stability and reduced risk. Standout workplaces showcase environments where women feel valued, heard and integral to the decision-making fabric. While strides have been made in female workforce representation, there’s a collective call for further enhancement.
Corporate leaders bear a significant responsibility to adapt to evolving workplace dynamics and institute progressive policies. These policies should empower all employees, irrespective of gender, creating an environment where women not only survive but thrive. By focusing on building diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures, businesses can pave the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.
Best Organisations for Women 2025
We are delighted to announce the Fifth Edition of Best Organisations for Women (BOW) Summit. A platform for action, recognition and inspiration, the summit spotlights and commends companies that have not just taken significant strides, but also set new standards for diversity, equity and inclusion in Corporate India.
Designed as a platform dedicated to catalysing transformation, it will bring together business leaders, policymakers and changemakers to discuss actionable strategies for empowering women in every facet of the professional world and explore how organisations can move beyond incremental progress to adopt approaches that build cultures of inclusivity and equity.
The summit will highlight the need for systemic reforms and emphasise the role of leadership in accelerating action. During the event, we will share success stories and applaud companies that embody fairness within their organisational DNA, emphasising equity and a commitment to non-discrimination. These companies stand out for providing an environment conducive to growth, offering equal training and development opportunities for women, thereby enhancing their representation across leadership roles.
Coffee Table Book
The occasion will also witness the launch of the Fifth Edition of Best Organisations for Women Coffee Table Book, a definitive guide featuring in-depth case studies, best practices, and inspiring narratives of companies leading the way in gender equity. Showcasing the tangible steps taken by organisations to create inclusive environments that empower women, the publication will delve into the very fabric of these organisations, exploring how they have set new benchmarks in the process. We study the creative working environments they have fostered, their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices, and what distinguishes them as the Best Organisations for Women.
Criteria for consideration
- Percentage of women in the workforce
- Number of women in the board of directors
- POSH policy implementation
- Learning & development initiatives
- Women empowerment policies
- DEI practices implemented
- Opinion about the brand as employer
Selection Process
Why Attend
Learn how the organisations are outperforming to reach the best places to work status
Pave a pathway for future leaders by implementing bold and deliberate decisions as a leader that enables a greater pipeline of diversity
Re-energise yourself and your team with new ideas
Be part of sessions that will enable attendees to interact and engage with industry experts through interesting and thought-provoking discussions
Opportunity to make meaningful connections
Who Should Attend
Regardless of gender or role – whether you are a board director, CEO, senior or middle manager, entrepreneur or young emerging leader, Best Organisations for Women is a valuable platform of information, insights, and networking opportunities for you.
Speakers
Agenda
Disclaimer: The agenda displayed on this page is subject to change without prior notice. Please check back regularly for updates.
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