“The global workforce participation rate for women is slightly above 50%, compared to 80% for men, underscoring limited female formal employment. In India, women contribute 18% to the GDP; while equal opportunities could add US$ 770 billion by 2025.
By concentrating on recruiting, retaining, and developing female talent, we can empower women and facilitate their journey towards equitable positions in society. I take pride in sharing that at Aster, more than 60% of our workforce comprises remarkable women, with a significant number holding upper-management and leadership positions. Embracing diversity is not just a commitment for us; it is our strength.
But inclusion of women does not begin at the workforce – it needs to start early at a grass-root level. There must be an active focus on ensuring girls get equitable access to quality education and pursue careers in business, STEM fields and other sectors of interest.
This proactive approach aims to nurture a future where women occupy decision-making leadership positions. Both men and women bring different talents, skill sets and capabilities to the table and when combined together they have higher potential to achieve.
We can already witness this to an extent in the Indian government with women leaders like the Honourable President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu, the Finance Minister of India – Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Women and Child Development of India – Smt. Smriti Irani; forging the path for development of the country. There is a need to maximise representations like these across different sectors and across levels to ensure collective progress.”