IWD Voices: Ritu Nakra – ‘When It Comes to the Boardroom, We Are Still Under-Represented’

Why It Matters

Boardroom gender imbalance limits diverse decision‑making and hampers company performance, making increased female representation a strategic priority.

Key Takeaways

• Women remain under‑represented in corporate boardrooms.
• Advancement stalls after middle management for many women.
• Female mentors crucial for career breakthroughs.
• Fear should not limit women's performance.

Pulse Analysis

Gender diversity on corporate boards is more than a social imperative; it directly correlates with stronger financial outcomes and innovative strategy. Studies consistently show that companies with at least 30% women directors outperform peers on return on equity and earnings growth. Yet, despite progress in hiring women into middle management, the pipeline thins dramatically before reaching the C‑suite, leaving boardrooms dominated by male perspectives.

Mentorship and sponsorship emerge as decisive levers for breaking that ceiling. Women who cite senior female mentors report faster promotions, higher confidence, and greater willingness to pursue board seats. However, informal networks often remain male‑centric, limiting access to high‑visibility projects that signal board readiness. Organizations that institutionalize mentorship programs and create transparent succession pathways see measurable gains in female representation at senior levels.

To close the gap, firms must adopt deliberate policies: set measurable board‑gender targets, audit promotion pipelines, and embed diversity criteria into executive search processes. Board training that highlights the business case for gender parity can shift entrenched mindsets, while flexible work models reduce the career penalties women face. By normalizing women’s presence at the highest decision‑making tables, companies unlock broader talent pools, improve risk assessment, and strengthen stakeholder trust, positioning themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly inclusive market.