In additional to gender neutral policies, firms need to support their workers as they advance in their careers, says Shalini Natraj, senior director, HR, for Target India. Creating more flexible schedules for women to work from home or remotely and allowing sabbaticals for employees to take off and recharge their batteries also are good recommendations.
Other areas that should be top of mind with companies and that are lacking in India are paternity leave, greater safety and security at work and on public transit, and corporate tax exemptions to encourage hiring and retention of women, Natraj said.
Firms “need to build a culture that not only hires women candidates, but also ensures that they are paid and promoted as per their capabilities,” Natraj said. “Encouraging and taking deliberate action to include women on their board and have them lead global teams will also have a large impact on gender equality.”