New Delhi, Jun 14 (KNN) A recent study conducted by HerKey has revealed that women make up 36 per cent of the workforce in Indian startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This finding comes from HerKey's latest DivHERsity Benchmarking Report 2023–24, which surveyed 300 companies across various sectors.

The report showcases promising initiatives among SMEs and startups to promote gender diversity. An impressive 97 per cent of startups and SMEs have successfully achieved their gender diversity goals in hiring.

Furthermore, 67 per cent have launched programs specifically designed to hire women who are returning to the workforce after a career break.

These efforts have yielded significant results, with 83 per cent of women employees in startups and SMEs being hired through these return-to-work initiatives.

Despite these positive trends, the study also highlights areas that require attention. The percentage of women in C-suite positions has decreased from 37 per cent to 24 per cent compared to the previous edition of the report.

This decline underscores the need for targeted interventions to support women's advancement into top leadership roles.

Neha Bagaria, Founder & CEO of HerKey, commented on the findings, saying, "Women don't face a constraint on ambition—they face a constraint on opportunity. The DivHERsity Benchmarking Report underscores the need for continued efforts to elevate women to leadership roles."

The report serves as a call to action for startups and SMEs to not only focus on hiring women but also to create robust pathways for their career progression.

By addressing the opportunity gap, these companies can harness the full potential of their diverse talent pool and drive innovation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

(KNN Bureau)