8 JUNE2024IN FOCUSIN FOCUSThe DivHERsity Benchmarking Report for 2023-24 reveals a gender disparity in Indian companies, with women's representation dropping to 19 per cent at mid-management and senior levels. This indicates a gap in the advancement of women into C-suite roles. Startups and SMEs have slightly higher female workforce participation rates than large enterprises, but there is a gap in C-suite hiring for women in Indian companies. Factors contributing to this gap include cultural norms, workplace policies, and women's disproportionate care responsibilities, which affect their availability and commitment to work.38 percent of women participate in entry-level recruitment at large enterprises. In 2022, the hiring of women at C-suite levels has fallen to 24 percent, down from 37 percent. The startups and SMEs showcased 36 per cent of the workforce signifying improvement, however, women participating in Indian enterprises remained at 34 percent.The survey shows that 84 percent of companies have dedicated initiatives for recruiting women, and 98 per cent of large enterprises have committed to gender diversity goals in hiring. Startups and SMEs have a 97 per cent success rate. Returnee programs have also been conducting women returnee-specific hiring drives. India opener Smriti Mandhana became the second-highest run-scorer for the nation with a 117-run knock against South Africa, surpassing the 7000-run mark and joining former India star Mithali Raj in the elite list. Achieving the historic mark, she scored 117 runs in an ODI match in 127 deliveries, bringing her international tally to 7,059 runs, surpassing Harmapreet Kaur's five and Mithali's seven, making her sixth ODI ton at her home ground Namma Bengaluru.Harmanpreet Kaur, India's Captain is close to achieving the feat of hitting seven centuries in 112 innings, as she has 6,870 runs in the international format. However, Mithali took 211 innings to hit seven centuries and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana just took 83 innings to hit six centuries. During the match, India initially struggled to score after opting to bat, but the tables turned as Smriti dominated the game.She scored her 6th ODI century and first ODI hundred at home ground in the 43rd over of the match but at 117 she was caught by Sune Luus. Smriti showcased a great partnership with Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar to surpass the score of 200-run mark. India donned a huge score of 265/8 for their opponents. Deepti Sharma has also been a vital asset to the team, surpassing the 2000-run mark in ODI in her 200th international match. DIVHERSITY REPORT REVEALS GENDER DISPARITY AT SENIOR LEADERSHIP LEVELSVICE-CAPTAIN SMRITI MANDHANA BECOMES INDIA'S 2ND HIGHEST RUN SCORER
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