From Homes to Boardrooms

In India's heartlands, true progress demands not just policies, but families that dare to believe in their daughters.

In the socio-economic fabric of India, the participation of women in the formal workforce remains a deeply underexplored resource. This is particularly evident in states often categorized under the so-called ‘BIMARU’ group. The prime state in this group is Bihar, where societal and familial structures continue to shape the aspirations and opportunities available to young women. While economic indicators of these regions frequently hog headlines, what remains less discussed is the latent potential of human capital, especially that of women.

In these regions, the allure of government employment, especially the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), dominates the career aspirations of most youth. For women, however, even this path is often hindered by societal expectations and traditional roles. The prevailing belief remains that daughters must be married young, after which their careers and ambitions may take a backseat, if they are permitted to pursue them at all.

India’s female workforce participation rate hovers below 10 percent, a figure that starkly contrasts with its potential. If women’s participation were to increase meaningfully, it would not only uplift countless lives but also provide a significant boost to the country’s GDP. After all, when nearly half the population remains underrepresented in the economy, progress remains lopsided. Economists may draw curves and project growth models, but without women at the centre of these dreams, the picture remains stubbornly incomplete.

Growing up as the youngest child in a traditional household in Bihar, I was cocooned in love, especially by my father - an ex-serviceman who believed deeply in the power of education. Despite societal pressures questioning the ‘returns’ of investing in a daughter’s education, he ensured that my siblings and I were given every opportunity to learn and grow. He would often call me his shadow, reminding me that I was no less than anyone and that he would always stand by me.

However, like many young women from conservative backgrounds, I carried the fear of stepping away from home. The idea of moving to an unfamiliar city or working in a mixed-gender environment was daunting. Yet, my father consistently nudged me out of my comfort zone, urging me to seek opportunities beyond what was conventional. It is one thing to dream beyond the narrow lanes of your hometown but quite another to summon the courage to leave them behind.

While many in my family followed the well-trodden path into government service, I chose the corporate sector - a path less travelled by women in my community. The transition was not without its challenges. Corporate corridors have long been male-dominated spaces, and the notion that women should opt for ‘safe,’ non-travelling, and flexible jobs persists. But I was determined to defy those expectations.

The exposure I received through work, travel and learning became instrumental in building my confidence and capabilities. What started as a tentative step into the corporate world gradually transformed into a journey of growth and empowerment. Despite being the most protected member of my family, I learned resilience and adaptability, qualities that have proven vital in navigating the professional world. In unfamiliar conference rooms, I thus began to stitch together a new identity, one moulded not of fear, but full of hope possibility.

Encouragingly, there has been a gradual but visible shift. Many companies today are actively promoting gender diversity, not just in entry-level roles but also in leadership positions. However, this is only part of the equation. True change begins at home. Families and communities must evolve to support and believe in the potential of their daughters long before they step into boardrooms or business meetings. After all, without that early, unwavering vote of confidence, even the boldest policies ring hollow.

As I continue to grow in my professional journey, I carry with me the foundational support and values instilled by my father. His unwavering belief in the importance of education and equal opportunity was the spark that lit the path I walk today. My story is not unique but it can serve as a reminder.

The road may be long and at times uncertain. But with encouragement, education and the freedom to choose one’s path, women can and will play a transformative role in shaping India’s future, whether in government or corporate sectors.

It is time we recognize that empowering women is not just a social imperative but an economic one.

(The writer is a cybersecurity professional and an avid traveler)