ANALYSING THE ROLE OF WOMEN REPRESENTATIONS IN CORPORATE BOARDS; CONTRIBUTIONS AND ENABLERS

The Companies Act, 2013, introduced a significant reform in corporate governance by mandating gender diversity on company boards. This paper explores the evolution of women’s participation in leadership roles before and after the enactment of the Act in selected Indian companies. It examines the gender diversity initiatives, transparency measures, accountability of the selected companies in India’s corporate sector. Theoretically and empirically, studies have increasingly argued for the between women corporate board membership and empowerment. The role of women directors in corporate boards has been a subject of increasing academic and industry interest. One of the key components of effective corporate governance is board diversity, particularly the inclusion of women in leadership roles. The presence of women on corporate boards has been linked to improved governance practices, enhanced financial performance, and better risk management. However, despite these benefits, women remain underrepresented in boardrooms across various industries and regions. This study seeks to analyse the role of women directors in corporate boards, highlighting their contributions, the enablers that facilitate their participation, and the challenges they encounter. By examining existing literature, corporate policies, and industry trends, the research aims to provide insights into strategies for enhancing gender diversity in corporate leadership. Keywords: Gender Diversity; Women Directors; Corporate Governance; Companies act; Initiatives; Transparency measures.