Evolution of Women as Business Leaders: India vs Western World

Abstract

Women's advancement as corporate leaders is strongly established in historical gender norms influenced by culture, tradition, and economy.  Most civilizations, including India and Western countries, have historically limited women to household chores, while males have generally held leadership and economic roles.  However, with progressive social movements, industrialization, and more educational access, women progressively began to participate in business.  In the Western world, this shift gained traction during and following World Wars, which forced women into the labor sector.  In India, socioeconomic changes and policies such as women's representation in local government laid the framework.  Despite different cultural backgrounds, both areas have experienced an increase, albeit unequal, in the number of women in leadership positions across industries.