In the current composition of Godrej Capital's (GC) workforce, women represent 32%, 35% and 33% in three leadership cohorts, ascending in seniority level, as well as 43% within middle management (MC). The company recognises potential for further growth and is embarking on initiatives to nurture and elevate women leaders within its ranks.

Programs such as Headway, tailored for women leaders graduating into leadership roles, focus on early identification of High-Potential (HiPo) talent. This means committing to proactive engagement in industry outreach and market mapping endeavours to cultivate a robust talent pipeline and sustain the advancement of women professionals within the organization.

Other initiatives include mentorship programs, wherein senior leaders within the organization serve as mentors to women leaders; and specialized programs such as the Accel Training for L3 women leaders. Moreover, commission compensation benchmarking and pay equity studies are conducted to ensure fairness and parity across all levels.

The promotion of allyship is fundamental to GC's approach to diversity and inclusion. This involves conducting unconscious bias and inclusion workshops, establishing the Women's Employee Resource Group (ERG) - She Rises, and organizing lean-in sessions with senior leaders to foster open dialogue and support. Early in 2024, SheRises, a bi-annual magazine celebrating the contributions of the women of GC, launched its first issue. Creating role models and facilitating mentorship opportunities are integral aspects of the company's strategy. She Rises is the result of the belief that authentic stories can help inspire and empower women at all organizational levels.

Additionally, the Campus Mentorship Program seeks to provide guidance and support to young women entering the workforce, laying the groundwork for their future success.

Since July 2023, GC has also been running the Women in Sales (WinS) - Campus Program. In WinS, young women on campuses interested in sales receive mentorship from their sponsors to enable their growth, develop their capabilities and help bring out their inner leaders to the surface.

"Being a part of the WinS Program was a truly transformative experience for me. This program brought together management trainees from diverse locations, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Led by exceptional women leaders across various domains within the organization, including the Chief Risk Officer, Head of Brand, Head of Analytics, Chief of Staff, and many others, each session was a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration," Amita Katwale said. Amita is an area manager in Pune who focuses on LAP (loans against property). "These leaders not only shared their expertise but also provided invaluable insights into various facets of the finance industry. What truly stood out was the support and mentorship provided by these accomplished leaders, who not only shared their expertise but also encouraged us to push boundaries and strive for excellence. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and confident that the skills and insights gained will propel my career forward."

In essence, GC's dedication to fostering gender diversity and elevating women leaders within its workforce is unmistakable. Through a multi-faceted approach encompassing tailored programs like Headway and Accel Training, the company is not only building a robust talent pipeline but also creating a culture of allyship and empowerment.

By championing mentorship, promoting dialogue through initiatives like She Rises, and nurturing future leaders through programs like WinS, GC is not just addressing the current gender gap but actively shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for all women and GC employees

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image provided by the GC team.