Women in Management

lthough women account for over one-half of the potential talent base throughout the world, as a group they have been marginalized and their economic, social and environmental contributions go largely unrealized. According to a 2008 report by the International Labour Office (ILO), "Global Employment Trends for Women-March 2008", released on the occasion of International Women's Day, more women are working than ever before, but they are also more likely than men to get low-productivity, low-paid and vulnerable jobs, with no social protection, basic rights nor voice at work. Women's representation in management positions in both the private and public sectors is markedly low and evidences another failure to make full use of available human capital. Barring a handful of companies like ICICI Bank, HSBC and Biocon, an overwhelming majority of Indian boardrooms are still no-go areas for women. Women today comprise only 2 per cent of the total managerial strength in the Indian corporate sector. Very few women hold top positions in corporate houses worldwide as a latest survey shows that only 14 per cent of women in India make it to the senior management level. Though an increasing number of women are proving that when it comes to taking up the corporate challenges, they have much more than just a pretty face to show, there are factors that hamper their growth within the organization. The present paper attempts to throw light on some vital statistics of women in workforce and managerial positions in India as well as over the globe. It further attempts to narrate some crucial factors that are hindering them to take up managerial jobs. Further mote a SWOT analysis of women managers has been carefully crafted which comprises of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of women as managers.

Vijaya rudraraju