In what can be termed as a crucial stride towards gender inclusion and parity, a study by Avtar Group, covering an average of seven sectors, has found that women’s representation has risen from 18.7 per cent in 2016 to 25.7 per cent in 2019, and it is expected to cross 26 per cent this year, reports Economic Times.

The report by Avtar, a leading diversity and inclusion (D&I) firm, is based on data from across 353 companies that employ more than 10 lakh women.

The report which also gives sector-wise insights, has mentioned that certain sectors such as consulting, FMCG and information technology-enabled services (IT and ITeS) will witness an increase in the women’s representation in 2020. While, sectors such as pharmaceuticals and hospitality may witness a dip.

On the participation of women in manufacturing front, Saundarya Rajesh, founder president of Avtar, reportedly said, “... manufacturing, which is the lowest in terms of women’s representation (8 per cent in 2019), is expected to bounce back this year to over 10 per cent. The initial blip in women’s representation in manufacturing could be an effect of market conditions. However, it could become a potent career option for women as the industry is becoming increasingly tech-enabled.”

He also added that with more women pursuing MBAs, the gender diversity quotient of FMCG sector has enhanced.

Additionally, the participation in consulting sector, which has the highest women representation in India, is expected to reach 44 per cent by 2020.