Despite Legal Mandates, Women Hold Limited Decision-Making Roles on Indian Corporate Boards

A new report examining corporate governance in India reveals that while more women are being appointed to boardsdue to statutory requirements, many still occupy non-executive or symbolic roles, limiting their influence in critical decision-making processes.

The study, covering companies across sectors including IT, banking, and manufacturing, found that women account for a growing percentage of board positions, but their participation in strategic planning, finance, and operational decisions remains minimal. Experts argue that this highlights the need for structural changes beyond numerical representation.

“Simply having women on boards is not enough. Companies must ensure they have real authority, decision-making power, and a voice in shaping organizational strategy,” said Dr. Nidhi Kapoor, corporate governance expert.

The report recommends mentorship programs, executive leadership training, and policy reforms to increase women’s effectiveness on boards. Studies have shown that companies with diverse boards enjoy better risk management, improved financial performance, and higher corporate transparency.

Legal analysts note that India has made progress through mandatory quotas and governance reforms, but real empowerment requires cultural change, including recognizing women as equal partners in corporate leadership.

en bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches. For boards to truly succeed, women must be more than symbolic figures—they must be integral to every major decision,” said Rohan Mehta, senior analyst at a business think tank.

The findings underline a pressing challenge for Indian corporates: closing the gap between policy and practice. While the legal framework has opened doors for women, companies need to ensure that these opportunities translate into substantive leadership roles, fostering inclusive and sustainable corporate growth.