The "From Intent to Impact" compendium, a joint initiative by the NITI Aayog and the CII, provides a strategic roadmap for achieving gender parity in Indian workplaces to achieve

• $ 30 trillion economy by 2047 (requires adding an estimated 145 million women to the workforce), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Structural and Social Barriers Hindering Gender Parity 

• Entry Barriers: These include unconscious bias in recruitment, gendered occupational stereotyping, etc. E.g.in STEM, 43% graduates, but only 27% women in the workforce in India.
• Retention Barriers: Mothers often face a "maternity penalty," with 75% of working mothers experiencing career setbacks.
• Growth Barriers: Women are often excluded from informal "old boys' club" networks and lack structured leadership development.
• Systemic Issues: Globally, women perform 76% of unpaid care work, a burden that restricts their economic participation.

Way Forward (Lifecycle Approach to Gender Parity)

• Promoting Entry (Hiring): Gender-Neutral Practices, Blind Screening and Targeted Outreach.
  • E.g. Organizations like Capgemini and Unilever use AI tools  in job descriptions to attract diverse talent.
• Enabling Retention: Inclusive Parental Leave, Flexible Work Models, and Childcare Support. 
  • E.g. Netflix offers an unlimited parental leave policy.
• Ensuring Growth and Progress:  E.g. Programs like PropelHER and SheLeads focus on coaching women in negotiation and strategic thinking.
• Building Inclusive Culture: E.g. Tech Mahindra and Genpact ensure significant female representation on their boards of directors.