BPO Startek Wins CII-CWL Award for Advancing Gender Parity in Business

By: WE staff | Wednesday, 14 May 2025

• Startek® was awarded the CII – Centre on Women Leadership (CWL) Award for Gender Parity in Business
• The prize honors the firm's dedication to advancing gender equality in the workplace
• Highlights Startek's initiatives to empower women and enhance leadership diversity

Startek®, a world leader in digital-first customer experience (CX) solutions, has been awarded the prestigious CII – Centre on Women Leadership (CWL) Award for Gender Parity in Business. The award is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment towards creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, where gender equality is the driving force behind its organizational success model.

"At Startek, we believe that inclusion is one of the most important competitive differentiators that inspire innovation and flexibility," said SM Gupta, Global Chief People Officer at Startek. "This CII and CWL award validates that making gender parity an integral part of our business strategy improves our ability to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape."

The award was the culmination of an exhaustive four-step evaluation process. It started with a meticulous submission outlining Startek's people-first practices, then focus group discussions with repeat mothers and mid-career women managers to gain first-hand accounts. Further inputs were derived through key informant interviews, with the last choices made by a panel of juror experts.

This recognition solidifies Startek's position at the forefront of advancing inclusive workplace practices, with the emphasis on equal career opportunities, flexible workplaces, and impactful leadership development as core elements of its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) strategy.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the CWL, an initiative sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, bestows this award to firms that are going that extra mile to achieving gender balance in corporate India.

Startek boasts a history of over 35 years with end-to-end CX and digital transformation solutions around the world. Present in 12 countries and fueled by 38,000 associates, the company enables brands to build strong customer relationships through innovation, empathy, and operational excellence.