By Radhika Shrivastava
Post-Covid global disruptions have transformed the business world and its needs, too. As a result, we have all witnessed several first-of-its-kind reforms in education policies, initiatives to bring diverse voices and women into leadership roles, and a commitment to embracing diversity and equity within business schools and corporations. Today, DEI and gender equality are on the minds of deans worldwide, not just in Indian business schools. But what makes it so significant?
Diversity and gender equality are essential in all spheres of life, including business education. Diverse backgrounds and cultures enrich the business school experience and enable students to gain valuable perspectives and skills that can be applied to the workplace. After all, the diverse cohort at B school today will champion diversity and innovation tomorrow. It’s smart economics! As far as Indian B schools are concerned, there is still much work to be done, as there is still a leaky pipeline of leadership positions for women, LGBTQ, and all underrepresented groups.
Blueprint for Future-Ready India: Fostering Gender Equality and Inclusion in B-Schools: Business school students are the leaders of tomorrow, and integrating DEI into business leadership is increasingly critical for overall, long-term success. Not just for them, but for society as a whole. B-schools play a pivotal role and are responsible for shaping the future business leaders of India. Envision an India where B-Schools are genuinely diverse and inclusive – where women, men and all genders have equal representation and opportunities. This is attainable if we take the following actions:
Implementing a Gender-Responsive Curriculum: B-Schools should design their curriculum to consider gender issues and promote equal opportunities. Offering elective courses to foster gender equality can include highlighting successful women and queer leaders in case studies.
Encouraging Participation of All: Organizing gender-inclusive events like leadership summits and networking sessions can empower all students and help them build strong professional networks.
Organising Mentorship Programs: These programs are more than just pathways, where accomplished women professionals guide and nurture aspiring female students, offering wisdom. Programs like these are a symphony of shared experiences that produce valuable insights that support students to have the brightest careers.
Establishing Anti-Discrimination Policies: B-Schools need comprehensive policies to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment. These policies should clearly outline consequences for any discrimination or harassment and provide accessible channels for reporting incidents.
Promoting Diversity in Faculty: Faculty at B-Schools should be diverse in gender, ethnicity, and background. Mentoring and role-modelling female faculty can create a more inclusive environment. Students learn holistically when they have access to a diversity of perspectives and voices.
Collaborating with Industry Experts: Students should engage with organisations that advocate inclusivity through internships and placements with companies that prioritise gender equality, and by collaborating with industry experts from diverse backgrounds.
Monitoring and Evaluation: B-Schools should regularly monitor and evaluate their efforts to enhance gender equality and diversity through surveys, feedback sessions, and tracking the representation of women in leadership roles. These findings can help identify areas for improvement and guide necessary actions.
A strategic imperative for B-Schools and beyond
It is time to recognise the value and potential of diverse voices in business and take proactive steps to empower them. We must raise our ambitions and recognize that achieving gender balance is not only a moral obligation but a strategic imperative that requires specific management competencies in a world driven by progress and fairness. The Indian B-schools must embrace a comprehensive approach that includes equal access to education, supportive networks, and breaking down bias to empower all men, women, and underrepresented groups to succeed in business, education, and every aspect of life.
The author is executive director of FIIB. Views are personal.
