The Feminine Edge: Women’s Leadership, Inclusion, and Sustainability in India

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving role of women in leadership, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and human-centered leadership in the Indian context. Drawing on global and regional sources such as the Deloitte Women in the Boardroom (2022) report, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2022), and the European Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy (2020–2025), the study examines structural and cultural barriers that hinder women’s advancement into leadership roles. Concepts like the “glass ceiling” and “sticky floor” are used to frame persistent gender disparities in organizational hierarchies. Using a qualitative methodology, the research analyzes secondary data and global reports to identify leadership traits commonly associated with successful women leaders — including empathy, collaboration, and strategic foresight. The study also highlights the underrepresentation of women in senior roles in India, despite incremental progress in some sectors. The findings suggest that empowering women leaders is not only a matter of equity but a strategic imperative for building resilient and inclusive organizations. The paper concludes by calling for further interdisciplinary research and policy interventions to support diverse leadership pipelines in India.