A recent study has revealed that 48% of companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India have no women in key managerial positions. The research, conducted by a leading corporate governance firm, analyzed data from over 1,500 NSE-listed firms as of March 2026.
The study highlights that women are significantly underrepresented in higher-paid roles such as chief financial officers, chief operating officers, and company secretaries. Only 12% of key managerial positions across all NSE firms are held by women, according to the verified data.
Experts attribute this gap to systemic barriers including lack of mentorship, unconscious bias in promotions, and inadequate workplace policies for work-life balance. The findings come amid ongoing regulatory efforts to improve gender diversity on corporate boards, but the study notes that progress in executive management remains slow.
Industry leaders have called for targeted interventions, such as leadership development programs for women and transparent hiring practices, to address the disparity. The study underscores the need for companies to move beyond boardroom diversity and focus on executive-level inclusion.
