India 'needs to discuss role of women on corporate boards'

An Indian business expert has highlighted the need for more proactive discussion of boardroom diversity performance among local businesses.

Amita Joseph, director of India's Business & Community Foundation, told the Business Standard that female boardroom representation remains low in India, with the public and private sectors performing worse than the non-profit sector.

This is despite an international trend towards greater discussion of gender imbalance issues, with the ongoing economic downturn and the emergence of high-profile corporate scams raising question marks over the "old boys' network" nature of business leadership.

Ms Joseph said women could play a more influential part in corporate leadership, but there remain numerous barriers to entry.

However, she suggested there are benefits associated with making the effort, noting: "Investors may see value in having women on the board as an indication of forward planning and future value in a globalising world."

This comes after a new companies bill was cleared by the Indian cabinet last month that will aim to improve governance standards in the nation.