A new study by Avtar-Seramount reveals a decline in women's share of corporate executive roles from 20% to 16.7%, citing a global pullback in DEI initiatives and the rise of AI-driven jobless growth.
- Women's share in Corporate Executive roles dropped from 20% to 16.7%.
- Overall female workforce representation fell from 35.7% to 34.6%.
- U.S. policy shifts under President Donald Trump's 2025 executive order impacted global DEI efforts.
- Health and wellbeing have overtaken childcare as the primary reason for women exiting the workforce.
The trajectory of gender diversity in India's corporate landscape has hit a significant roadblock. According to the 11th edition of the Avtar-Seramount Best Companies for Women in India study, there has been a noticeable decline in the representation of women in senior-most leadership positions. Specifically, the share of women in Corporate Executive roles among the surveyed companies plummeted to 16.7% in 2026, down from 20% the previous year.
The erosion of representation is visible across multiple metrics. The overall female workforce presence declined to 34.6% from 35.7%, and the proportion of women in new hiring fell from 38% to 36%. This downturn marks a reversal of years of steady progress in integrating women into the upper echelons of corporate power.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the Indian corporate ecosystem is deeply intertwined with global policy trends, particularly those emanating from the United States. When major U.S. firms pivot away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates, it creates a ripple effect that legitimizes a similar retreat in India. This shift threatens to stall the progress of gender parity and could lead to a systemic loss of female talent at the strategic decision-making level.
Saundarya Rajesh, Managing Director of Avtar, attributed this setback to the global pullback in DEI initiatives following an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025. Rajesh noted that the impact on American companies operating in India has been "very strong," influencing the broader market as other Indian employers often mirror the practices of global giants.
"The retreat from DEI efforts in the U.S. has created a challenging environment for women in India, as multinational standards often dictate local corporate behavior."
Beyond policy shifts, the study highlights the disruptive role of Artificial Intelligence. Rajesh pointed toward "jobless growth" driven by AI, which is disproportionately affecting women's employment opportunities. Furthermore, the report sheds light on the "leaky pipeline" after maternity leave; while 94% of women return immediately, only 79% remain employed after one year.
| HQ Location | Total Female Workforce (%) | Female Executives (%) |
|---|---|---|
| India-headquartered | 31.4% | 14.2% |
| US-headquartered | 41.1% | 18% |
| Other countries | 39.2% | 20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the impact of the U.S. DEI pullback on India?
Many Indian companies and MNCs follow U.S. corporate standards. A reduction in DEI commitment in the U.S. leads to reduced funding and focus on diversity programs in India.
2. Why are women leaving the workforce more often due to health?
The study indicates a shift where mental and physical wellbeing (30%) has now become a more significant factor for exits than traditional childcare challenges (28%).
