Empowering Voices: Women in Decision-Making in India – From Historical Legacy to Future Leadership
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37591/jhrlp.v8i2.1852Keywords:
Women’s Empowerment, Decision-Making, Gender Equality, Political Representation, Corporate Leadership, Household Autonomy, Historical Women LeadersAbstract
Decision-making is a cornerstone of leadership, governance, and societal progress. In India, women have historically played pivotal roles in decision-making across various domains, from ancient governance and medieval resistance to modern corporate leadership and political representation. Despite their contributions, women’s participation in decision-making has been constrained by male dominated structures, social norms, and systemic inequalities. This paper explores the evolving role of
women in decision-making in India, tracing their contributions from ancient and medieval history to contemporary times, while highlighting the challenges they face and proposing strategies for greater inclusion.
References
UN Women (2023). "Gender Equality in India: An Overview."https://www.unwomen.org/en /where-we-are/asia-and-the-pacific/india
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2021). "Key Indicators of Health and Family Welfare." https://rchiips.org/nfhs/nfhs-5Reports.jsp
World Economic Forum (2023). "Global Gender Gap Report."https://www.weforum.org/ reports/global-gender-gap-report-2023
McKinsey & Company (2022). "The Business Case for Women in Leadership."https://www. mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/the-business-case-for-women-in-leadership
PwC India (2022). "Women in Corporate India: Representation and Impact."https://www.pwc.in/research-publications/women-in-corporate-india.html
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). "Corporate Governance Requirements for Women Directors."https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/regulations/jan-2022/corporate-governance-committee-report-on-women-directors_44715.html
Ministry of Women and Child Development (2023). "Women in Governance and Political Participation in India."https://wcd.nic.in/
India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development (2023). "State of Women in Politics: Representation in Parliament and State Assemblies."https://wcd.nic.in/women-in-politics
The Hindu (2023). "Women in Indian Politics: Challenges and Triumphs." https://www.thehindu.com/
McKinsey Report (2022). "Women and Work: Gender Disparity in the Indian Corporate Sector."https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workforce
India Today (2023). "Women’s Representation in India’s Political and Corporate Landscape."https://www.indiatoday.in/
Government of India (2023). "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme."https://wcd.nic.in/
National Commission for Women (2023). "Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality in India."https://ncw.nic.in/
World Bank (2022). "Empowering Women in India: Economic and Social Progress."https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india
The Times of India (2023). "Women Empowerment: Breaking Barriers in Decision-Making."https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
The Economic Times (2023). "Gender Diversity in Indian Corporate Sector: Moving Towards Inclusion."https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
FICCI (2022). "Women Entrepreneurship in India: Challenges and Opportunities."https://www.ficci.in/
Indian Express (2023). "The Role of Women in Household Decision-Making: Impact on Family Dynamics."https://indianexpress.com/
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality in India: A Policy Analysis.Paper from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), 2022.
Gates Foundation (2022). "India’s Gender Gap: Women in Decision-Making Positions."https://www.gatesfoundation.org/



