Why Representation Matters for Women’s Career Growth

Representation is important. When young girls look up to leaders, they should see someone who looks like them. Seeing women in leadership roles isn’t just inspiring; it shows the next generation that they too can be leaders. Without women in the spotlight, it’s easy for them to feel that such roles aren’t for them.

A recent cover of Business Today showed India’s “Best CEOs.” It featured 13 men. Not a single woman. This is just one example of how often women are left out when it comes to being recognized as top leaders. A lot of people pointed out that this kind of representation is exactly what keeps women from believing they can be the next big thing in business. A social media comment summed it up perfectly: “Indian women can only raise the 'India's Best CEOs,' but cannot be recognized as one... a sad reality!” This comment hits home because it highlights how few women are celebrated in top positions.

In India, women hold only 18% of leadership roles in companies. Worldwide, it’s a little better, but still only about 30%. Role models matter. When women see others like them in positions of power, it shows them that it’s possible to get there too. It gives them the confidence to try. 

Getting more women into leadership isn’t just about having them on a list or in a role. It’s about creating a workplace where women’s skills, ideas, and contributions are truly valued. It’s about making sure that women don’t just get a seat at the table, but that they are heard and respected once they’re there.

Some progress has been made, like the recent Women’s Reservation Bill in India, which reserves one-third of the seats in the lower house and state legislatures for women. 

While that’s a big step, real change means having women in leadership in every area. Women should be leading in business, politics, and everywhere else. Let’s keep pushing for more women in leadership so that every young girl who dreams of being a leader knows that it’s possible, and that she’s not limited by her gender. 

Because when women rise, everyone benefits.