The Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI), an annual gender analytics exercise by Avtar and Seramount, has become a milestone in the journey towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse corporate India. The companies featured in the list across categories like Top 10, Best Companies, and Emerging Icons, apart from Most Inclusive Companies—Exemplars and Champions—will be awarded in a glittering ceremony at the upcoming Best of the Best Conference, a flagship event on November 12 and 13 in Chennai.

Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, talks to Diversity Digest about how the annual event is influencing India Inc. to usher in a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace, as she offers insights into this year’s theme at the two-day conference.

The 8th edition of the Best of The Best Conference, which will showcase the BCWI results, has been themed “The Prism of Diversity.” Can you tell us how the prism is a metaphor for this event?

It is inspired by the prism because we look at numerous aspects of the work field. This year, we have pushed the boundaries of what DEI can achieve in the Indian context. This year, for the first time, we introduced industry-specific rankings, shedding light on the varying progress made across different sectors. By doing so, we provide a detailed lens into where women are excelling, where gaps remain, and which industries require a more concentrated effort to level the playing field. For example, it is no surprise that there are sectors where women have traditionally been underrepresented, such as real estate, where women’s participation stands at a mere 1%. However, what is equally revealing is the untapped potential in many other industries where gender diversity could drive significant change but has yet to be fully realized.

Tell us about the data collected in the Best Companies for Women in India study—how do they guide your efforts?

The data we gather through our study offers more than just insights; it serves as a roadmap for how we, as an industry, can continue to elevate women into leadership roles. In 2024, 18.83% of women in the Best Companies for Women in India are among the top 20% of earners, and over 23% now hold senior leadership positions. These numbers are encouraging, but they also underscore that there is much more to be done. The road ahead is filled with opportunities, and the progress we’ve seen from participating companies inspires us to keep pushing the envelope on what is possible.

What has been the impact of the initiative in the workplace?

I am proud to say that we have witnessed an evolution in workplace cultures across India. Today, women’s overall representation in the Best Companies stands at 36%, and each of these companies—100%—offers them leadership training for career advancement.

Share with us some milestones of organizations that embarked on this journey. How has it impacted them?

Companies that were once merely striving for diversity are now emerging as icons in the DEI space. Leaders, allies, and entire organizations are embracing change, creating spaces where individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds can align their personal aspirations with their professional goals.

This year, you also released the findings of the Best Companies for Women in Gulf. What are your observations about the efforts being made by companies in the Gulf?

The inaugural edition of the Best Companies for Women in Gulf is a significant step in extending our DEI efforts beyond Indian borders. This endeavor allowed us to identify and celebrate 10 companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region that are paving the way for women’s professional empowerment.

It is remarkable to witness how organizations across geographies are increasingly committed to creating work environments where women are empowered to lead and thrive.

What’s next for BCWI as you are hitting an important milestone of a decade in 2025?

The BCWI continues to be a beacon of progress, and as we move forward, we remain committed to fostering workplaces where equality is not just a goal but a reality. We know that next year, on our 10th anniversary, we will rise even bigger as DEI advocates.