Corporate Asia Enroute a Gender Balanced Future

By: Rachita Sharma, Special Editor | Monday, 9 May 2022

In 2022, it is a given that achieving gender equality in all spheres of life and work can be the key to an equitable future for us all. Not only is gender equality and women empowerment a moral & ethical goal, but it makes sense otherwise as well. A gender balanced workforce with equal participation from women in the workforce & leadership roles positively impacts productivity. Additionally, it also holds the potential to contribute to the global GDP. It will be a win-win for us all.

Unfortunately we don't live in a utopian state, and the reality is far removed from achieving gender balanced. Speaking in context of Asia-Pacific, women hold 20 percent of all managerial positions. While the number is much higher than what it was a few years ago, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Eastern Asia has been comparatively more successful in getting more women join the corporate world with their number rising from 18 percent to 28 percent between 2000 and 2019. But sadly, only 17 percent of the total middle management and senior management roles are played by women in the region.

In the APAC region, a few countries have fared better than their other Asian counterparts including Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. In terms of highest number of women in boardroom membership Thailand, Indonesia, and Viet Nam lead the pack. Asian countries are on the right track. Efforts have been made by the governments and corporate entities to create a more gender balanced workforce & workplace. Any achievement in the same would be beneficial for both employees and employers alike. Other than aiding performance, more women leaders facilitate a better quality of work environment for all.

In the past few years, we have seen more women leaders taking center stage. Not only are they establishing companies of their own, but are also leading important business functions across varied industries. Women leaders are also breaking into the traditionally male dominated fields such as automotive, real estate, manufacturing and others.

Young women across Asia today have several inspirational role models to look-up to, and the current edition of Women Entrepreneur Magazine is celebrating a few such Indian origin leaders from across Asia. Read on to know more about these trailblazers and how they are creating a more gender balanced & lucrative business landscape.

Do let us know your thoughts.