Building Inclusive Workplaces: A Culture of Equity and Empowerment 

Workplace inclusion is more than a corporate buzzword—it is the foundation of a thriving, progressive work environment. A truly inclusive workplace is one where everyone, regardless of gender, background, or role, is empowered to contribute, grow, and lead without fear or bias. 

However, the reality for many women in India tells a different story. Deloitte’s Women@Work 2023 report highlights alarming statistics: 53% of Indian women report higher stress levels than men, 44% experience workplace harassment, and 59% bear greater childcare responsibilities. The country ranks 127th in the Global Gender Gap Index and 142nd in economic participation, underscoring the systemic barriers women continue to face. 

Women in the media industry may have relative privilege, but they are not immune to these challenges. Workplace harassment, for instance, persists despite legal frameworks like the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. Women who speak up often find themselves met with skepticism, dismissed as overreacting, or labeled as ‘troublemakers.’ The issue is not just policy enforcement—it is about shifting workplace culture. 

From Policy to Practice: A Cultural Shift 

Building an inclusive workplace requires more than just having policies in place. It demands: 

• A culture of trust: Women must feel safe to voice their experiences and be assured that they will be heard and believed. 

• Active leadership involvement: Leaders should set the tone by fostering an environment of respect, accountability, and zero tolerance for discrimination. 

• Challenging biases: Organizations must proactively address unconscious biases that affect hiring, promotions, and daily workplace interactions. 

• Flexibility and support: Workplaces should offer equitable parental leave, childcare support, and flexible working conditions to ensure career progression is not hindered by caregiving responsibilities. 

Inclusive Leadership: Walking the Talk 

True inclusion requires inclusive leadership—leaders who listen, advocate, and take meaningful action. When leaders commit to making workplaces truly inclusive, they enable real change, ensuring that women are not just present but are heard, valued, and empowered. 

Speaking on the occasion, Neville Medhora, Chief Executive Officer, ADK India, had this to say. “It’s easy to sound trite and parrot Women’s rights and empowerment as part of corporate spiel. It is also easy to give lip service to gender equality and turn a blind eye to the biases still prevalent in the work space and dare I say, even the home space. 

I have long been a sceptic of these ‘Days’ and almost CSR type activities that organisations feel compelled to run after, tick mark and then forget.  

Instead, I would rather laud and admire those organisations that walk the talk, who have fought to level the playing field for their employees, whatever their sex. I encourage those companies that have created a secure workplace where talent, not misogyny, is celebrated and where effort and skill are put on a pedestal, not toxic masculinity.  

Be fair, be committed, and be open. Lead your teams to believe that winning is possible when everyone is empowered and motivated to deliver their own personal best. Don’t feel compelled to shout it from your rooftops today. Shout it every day, shout it till it becomes a reality in every office. Shout it out loud till everyone knows this is the truth.  And then, just maybe, we won’t need a day to remind people about it!” 

Priya Krishnamurthy, Director – Commercial Sales, Acer India, shared her take. “Women have been pivotal in shaping innovation and progress across industries. This International Women’s Day, under the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ we recognize that advancing gender equality is not just a necessity but a catalyst for transformation. At Acer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women in technology and leadership have the opportunities to grow, lead, and shape the future.  

To truly build an equitable tech industry, we must inspire young girls to explore STEM, support women already in the field, and create pathways for leadership. It requires action, mentorship, and a collective commitment from organizations, leaders, and communities. When women are empowered, we don’t just bridge gaps—we ignite innovation, accelerate economic growth, and create a future that benefits everyone. Let’s break barriers, challenge biases, and build an industry where every woman and girl has the chance to thrive.” 

Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Co-Founder, Marut Drones, chimed in on the rise of women in Indian industry and society. “Women are playing a pivotal role in driving the growth of our nation’s economy. In agriculture, a sector where women have long been sidelined, technology is now bringing about a transformative shift. With innovations like drone technology, women trained as drone pilots in rural India are not only earning an average income of ₹50,000-60,000 but also gaining financial independence and providing an additional income to their families. With government initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi, women—many of whom were once confined to the home—are now breaking through gender barriers. 

At Marut, we have empowered more than 500 women through our comprehensive training programs in drone technology, fostering gender equality and economic empowerment within rural communities. Our commitment to empowering women continues as we work to position them as key players in agricultural innovation and sustainability. By tackling the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated industry, we are also paving the way for future generations of women to drive farming and social change.” 

The future of work is not about leaving anyone behind—it is about ensuring that everyone moves forward together. Inclusion is not a favor; it is a necessity for workplaces that seek to thrive.