Hyderabad: The result of the first ever Pan IIM Survey on ‘What IIM Women Grads Want’, throws some interesting light on what changes are needed to be implemented by organisations to create a level playing field for women and the challenges that women faced in their workplaces.
The Survey was conducted by IIM Kozhikode Alumni Association in collaboration with ‘The Star in Me’ – a global career advancement platform for women. Over 400 responses from students of 20 IIMs and Alumni were received. Most of the respondents were women who were working at mid to senior management levels in various industries.
According to press release, 49.5 per cent women said they did not have equal opportunities as men in their organisations. “There is a significant gender gap in the workforce and gap tends to get amplified at leadership levels. The survey results demonstrate that even though progress has been made in enhancing gender diversity, organisations need a renewed focus on eliminating unconscious bias, strengthening mentoring and sponsorship initiatives and creating a level playing field for women,” said Uma Kasoji, an IIM alumnus and co-founder of The Star in me.
Moreover, as per the survey results, 65 per cent of the respondents said they want more women in the top tier of their organisations. According to the respondents, female representation in top leadership tiers is insignificant and they need more role models to look up to.
When asked about the challenges they faced, the respondents were upfront about it and stated the lack mentorship, lack of strong professional networks, gender discrimination and unconscious bias as some of the challenges they faced.
Things women Want
Among the diversity initiatives that Women value, are
- Flexibility in workplace
- Organisational budgets for upskilling
- Second career alternative for women
- Extended maternity and paternity leave.
One-third of the respondents shared their suggestions on how organisations can help women scale their career. They recommended leadership commitment to diversity, sensitising male colleagues, flexibility at work, offer a level playing field to women, formal mentoring sponsorship and networking initiatives and smoothening of re-entry of women post a career break.