Biz Divas in News
Women on Boards
Launch of Research Report – “Women on Boards” a joint initiative of Biz Divas & Khaitan & Co.
The Pioneer
WOMEN FORM ONLY 4% OF IND DIRECTORS IN 1470 PUBLIC-LISTED COS
Women account for only 4 per cent of the total number of independent directors on boards of 1,470 public-listed companies, says a report.
According to the report, Indian companies need to induct 966 women on their boards by October 1, 2014 to comply with new company law that mandates every listed firm with a minimum paid up share capital of Rs 1 billion to have atleast one woman at the board level.
The Asian Age
With 2 months for deadline, only 97 firms out of 966 have women directors
India may well be a good success story for the other developing countries if India Inc. is able to complete the appointment of 966 women to company boards by October 1, 2014 as mandated by the New Companies Bill 2013.In the four-and-a-half months since the Sebi board meeting in February this year, 91 women have been appointed to 97 directorship positions in 94 companies (as of 30th June 2014).
Business World
Only 4% Of Indian Company Directors Are Women
Archaic cultural stereotypes on the roles of men and women in society are largely to blame, while widespread illiteracy and socio-economic problems further worsen the problem.
Only 4 per cent of the directors of publicly listed Indian companies are women, but a landmark law passed last year means companies must act quickly to put more women on their boards, a report said.
NDTV
Only Four Per Cent of Indian Company Directors Are Women: Report
Only four percent of the directors of publicly listed Indian companies are women, but a landmark law passed last year means companies must act quickly to put more women on their boards, a report said.
The report “Women on Boards”, by Biz Divas, a national network of professional women, and law firm Khaitan and Co, said that men hold 8,640 boardroom positions and women 350 in the country’s 1,470 listed firms.
FirstBiz.firstPost.com
Glass ceiling? Only four percent of Indian company directors are women
“There are many reasons for the scarce representation of women in senior leadership positions,” the report, released late on Wednesday, said.
“Archaic cultural stereotypes on the roles of men and women in society are largely to blame, while widespread illiteracy and socio-economic problems further worsen the problem.”
The Economic Times
Women form only 4 per cent of independent directors in 1470 public-listed companies: Report
MUMBAI: Women account for only 4 per cent of the total number of independent directors on boards of 1,470 public-listed companies, says a report.
According to the report, Indian companies need to induct 966 women on their boards by October 1, 2014 to comply with new company law that mandates every listed firm with a minimum paid up share capital of Rs 1 billion to have atleast one woman at the board level.
Reuters
Only four percent of Indian company directors are women – report
NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Only four percent of the directors of publicly listed Indian companies are women, but a landmark law passed last year means companies must act quickly to put more women on their boards, a report said.
The report “Women on Boards”, by Biz Divas, a national network of professional women, and law firm Khaitan and Co, said that men hold 8,640 boardroom positions and women 350 in the country’s 1,470 listed firms.
The Times of India
Will India Inc actually bring women on board?
India can become an inspiration for other developing countries if it is able to demonstrate an actual change in the women representation on corporate boards, mandated by the new Companies Act, as well as influence their presence in senior leadership.
Amongst the developing economies, where India is the first country with such an Act, China led with an 8% representation of women on boards.
Business Standard
India Inc needs to institute 966 women to company boards by Oct 1: Report
The New Companies Act cos with minimum paid up share capital of Rs 100 cr to appoint a woman director
ndia Inc. will need to institute 966 women to company boards by October 1, 2014. The report a report titled ‘Women on Boards: a Policy, Process and Implementation Roadmap’ by law firm Khaitan & Co in association with Biz Divas, a national network of professional women showed that amongst the 1470 public listed companies, the number of women directors on board were 350, representing only 4% of the total number of Independent directors on Board.
Financial Express
Women on boards: deadline close, but just 10% of target accomplished
With the October 1 deadline for Indian companies to have at least one woman director on the board approaching fast, only around 10% of such vacancies have been filled.
A study put together by law firm Khaitan and Co and Biz Divas, a national network of professional women, states that as on June 30, 91 women directors were appointed to 97 board seats across Indian firms.
Stock market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi) guidelines, which were amended to align with the new Companies Act of 2013, mandate listed Indian companies to appoint at least one woman director by October 1. The report titled ‘Women on Boards’ says that the total number of vacancies that need to be filled due to Sebi’s changed regulations stands at 966.
Deccan Chronicle
Women are still not on board in Indian companies
ndia may well be a good success story for the other developing countries if India Inc. is able to complete the appointment of 966 women to company boards by October 1, 2014 as mandated by the New Companies Bill 2013.
In the four-and-a-half months since the Sebi board meeting in February this year, 91 women have been appointed to 97 directorship positions in 94 companies (as of 30th June 2014).
Smart Investotor
India Inc needs to institute 966 women to company boards by Oct 1: Report
India Inc. will need to institute 966 women to company boards by October 1, 2014. The report a report titled ‘Women on Boards: a Policy, Process and Implementation Roadmap’ by law firm Khaitan & Co in association with Biz Divas, a national network of professional women showed that amongst the 1470 public listed companies, the number of women directors on board were 350, representing only 4% of the total number of Independent directors on Board.
PeopleMatters.in
966 vacancies for women leaders in India Inc.
Leading law firm Khaitan & Co in association with Biz Divas, a national network of professional women launched a report titled “ Women on Boards: a Policy, Process and Implementation Roadmap” in Mumbai yesterday. The extensive report that explores the case of gender diversity in corporate boardrooms in India found that amongst the 1470 public listed companies, the number of women directors on board were 350, representing only 4% of the total number of Independent directors on Board. According to the report’s findings India Inc. will need to institute 966 women to company boards by 1st October 2014.
In.Newshub.org
Will India Inc actually bring women on board?
India can become an inspiration for other developing countries if it is able to demonstrate an actual change in the women representation on corporate boards, mandated by the new Companies Act, as well as influence their presence in senior leadership.Amongst the developing economies, where India is the first country with such an Act, China led with an 8% representation of women on boards. Brazil followed close with 6%, and India was at 5% as of 2012. However, these numbers are far lower than the developed countries.
BizPost
LESS WOMAN STRENGTH IN INDIA INC
Women account for only 4 per cent of the total number of independent directors on boards of 1,470 public-listed companies, says a report.
According to the report, Indian companies need to induct 966 women on their boards by October 1, 2014 to comply with new company law that mandates every listed firm with a minimum paid up share capital of Rs 1 billion to have atleast one woman at the board level.
Women were under-represented at the board level in global scenario as well, the report ‘Women on Boards-Companies Act 2013′, said. “Amongst the 1,470 public listed companies, the number of women directors on board were 350, representing only 4 per cent of the total number of Independent Directors on Board. India Inc. will need to institute 966 women to company boards by 1st October 2014,” says the report by Biz Divas, a national network of professional women, and law firm Khaitan and Co.
The Times of India
On launch of Women on Boards Report on August 6 , 2014
The Times of India
National conference for women hosted ‘I inspire’ presented by Biz Divas and the Times of India in Delhi
FOR WOMEN LEADERS: Gurgaon recently hosted I Inspire, presented by Biz Divas and with the Times of India as a media partner, a national conference for women leaders, which aimed to be a confluence of ideas and thoughts with the celebration of a spirit of diversity and entrepreneurship. There were panel discussions on several topics.
During one of the discussions, Meenu Handa, director, corporate communication, Amazon India, said, “None of us want women positions to be forced in a boardroom, because we deserve to be there.”
India PR Wire
Sarika Bhattacharya Honored By The First Leadership In Mentoring Award By Bank Of America And Vital Voices
Sarika Bhattacharya, Co-Founder of Biz Divas Foundation has been honored by the first annual Leadership in Mentoring Award by Vital Voices & Bank of America. Anne Finucane, Global Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Bank of America recently presented the award to her. The award is meant to shine a spotlight on an extraordinary woman who has used her own leadership journey to pay it forward, investing in the next generation and paving the way for transformational and sustainable change.The recognition took place at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC with attendees from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Sarika was a mentee who had participated in Global Ambassadors Program and using her connections created during this time, Sarika then created I-Inspire, an annual conference in India which brings business and nonprofit leaders together to highlight the importance of women, mentoring and how to create more opportunities for women in business.
Online PR Media
SARIKA BHATTACHARYA HONORED BY FIRST LEADERSHIP IN MENTORING AWARD BY BANK OF AMERICA & VITAL VOICES
Sarika Bhattacharya, Co-Founder of Biz Divas Foundation has been honored by the first annual Leadership in Mentoring Award by Vital Voices & Bank of America. Anne Finucane, Global Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Bank of America recently presented the award to her. The award is meant to shine a spotlight on an extraordinary woman who has used her own leadership journey to pay it forward, investing in the next generation and paving the way for transformational and sustainable change.The recognition took place at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC with attendees from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
The Times of India
Milind Soman promotes Pinkathon 2014 during Raahgiri celebrations in Gurgaon
If there’s one thing Gurgaon can take pride in, it’s the health-conscious population that takes any opportunity to burn off a few extra kilos.
Whether it’s ditching the weekend laziness to go cycling or enjoying a day of no traffic madness during Raahgiri, Gurgaonwallahs always opt for the healthy route, and now they can add the Pinkathon to their upcoming fitness schedules.
This Tuesday, 32 members of Gurgaon’s Biz Divas – a group that helps businesswomen from across the country connect with each other – got an opportunity to have a coffee session with model-actor-marathoner Milind Soman, who was here to promote Pinkathon 2014.
The Economic Times
Biz Divas empowering NCR women to be entrepreneurs and leaders
Financial Literacy to women is a key issue in India. Sarika Gupta Bhattacharya took upon herself the responsibility to do her bit in this direction with her venture Biz Divas. It is an initiative that aims at empowering women with entrepreneurial, business, financial and personal development skills. Key associates Ranjna Deopa and Priyanka Awasthy are helping Sarika in her endeavour.
All three of them were investment bankers who left their jobs to start Altavis, an Executive Search and HR firm. Biz Divas is a CSR initiative of Altavis started in 2011, with Gurgaon Banglore and Mumbai chapters.
Sarika said, “The idea behind genesis of Biz Divas is that there comes a time in the lives of women where they find themselves unable to move forward towards their dreams because of various responsibilities and other factors. This is where we come in. There is a combined brain-pool of enterprising women which is there to help women in various areas.”
The Economic Times
As Economy Grows, New Opportunity Emerge for Women
Wall Street Journal:
Career Journal: Getting Women on Board
As more women take on senior roles in corporate India, efforts are underway to get them on male-dominated corporate boards.At least two programs have been launched this year to help women into the boardroom and address an abysmal imbalance.
“It is an idea whose time has come,” said Vasanthi Srinivasan, professor of human resources at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
One reason for having more “board-ready” women is a recently created law making it mandatory for companies to have at least one female director on their boards.
Economic Times:
Empowering women entrepreneurs: Biz Divas
GURGAON: It takes a lot of strength and hard work to be a success in the business world. It is wonderful to have someone to guide and arm an entrepreneur to give the best.
Gurgaon-based Sarika Gupta Bhattacharya endeavours to do this through her networking forum Biz Divas. As the name suggests it is meant for women that aims at empowering them with entrepreneurial, business, financial and personal development skills.
US Embassy:
Ambassador Nancy Powell’s Remarks at the Biz Divas – New Delhi Chapter Launch (As-Prepared)
Good morning. It’s a real pleasure for me to be here with you today to celebrate the launch of the Biz Divas New Delhi Chapter. I want to thank founders Sarika Gupta Bhattacharyya, Priyanka Awasthy and Ranjana Deopa for inviting me to join you today. I congratulate them on creating and nurturing such a dynamic group. I’m particularly pleased to see this very large turnout and to be in the company of the four impressive panelists – Renuka Ramnath, Shaily Gupta, Kanika Mathur and Kuku Singh – real trailblazers who I’m sure will have important insights to share.
thewaywomenwork.com
Biz Divas: Turning Passion Into Profit
Neela Kaushik was a homemaker with a burning desire: to start her own digital media agency. She got the support and encouragement she needed through Biz Divas’ mentoring sessions, where she learned how to create and execute her own plans, and manage her schedule. That’s when Sixth Element was born – Neela’s agency that creates websites and social media campaigns for local businesses in Gurgaon, India.
Neela is just one of the more than 550 members of the fast-growing Indian business women’s network Biz Divas. In Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurgaon, their aim is simple: to help women turn their passion into profits.
Huffington Post
All It Takes Is a Walk in the Park
It all started about 15 years ago when, in an attempt to encourage me to get more exercise — and to make me less crabby — my assistant, Ed Flathers, started scheduling informal meetings for me during my morning walks in Central Park. It helped me to avoid that third cup of coffee or yet another meeting, neither of which I needed to add to my day. So one morning I laced up my running shoes and offered to meet a young woman seeking advice about how to break into the media field. As we made our way through the park, we discussed everything from the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive industry to the challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. As we parted ways and vowed to continue the conversation, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection and more so, a desire to see this young woman succeed, that has stuck with me to this day.
WOW Factor Asia
50 Indian women to follow on Twitter
The search begins:
There it was, the third tweet in a month ”Top 20 women to follow on twitter” ! Yet another list from the western Hemisphere. Where is the list from Asia I thought ? After all this is the Asian century. It can hardly be a true Asian century without highlighting the thought leadership from the region.
Given my corporate leanings, and the interest in women and leadership, I decided to start there. So I sent out a tweet:
“Searching for the Sheryl Sandbergs of Asia. Give me a name and reason”
yourstory.in
Held on Nov 17th 2012 at Leisure Valley, Gurgaon, the Global Mentoring Walk is a novel concept introduced by Biz Divas. In this mentoring walk, women who are established role models in their fields of endeavors are paired with upcoming and aspiring younger women to walk on a particular day. As they walk, the women engage in discussion regarding professional challenges and insights to establish a mentoring relationship in which guidance, instruction, advice and support is provided. This promotes lasting mentoring relationships between emerging and established women leaders. Through these walks, a belief in the importance of women’s leadership and participation in society is demonstrated. In fostering these mentoring relationships, these walks also promote the values of mentoring in rising leaders who can give back to future generations and provide aspiring women professionals with the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals.
Times of India:
Empowerment: Help at hand for working women
Publication The Times Of India Mumbai on Aug 31, 2012; Section: Special Report; Page: 49
Here are many young, dynamic and enterprising women in Mumbai who are unable to pursue their passions due to family responsibilities or lack of mentorship or even a job loss. Many want to start their own ventures, but are clueless how to go about it. Well, three enterprising women decided to address this issue with the premise that there are many people in Mumbai who can provide the help free of charge. All that needs to be done is to connect the giver with the recipient. The result: an NGO named Biz Divas which aims to help budding entrepreneurs.
Founded by Sarika Gupta Bhattacharya, Priyanka Awasthy and Ranjana Deopat, Biz Divas’ primary objective is to empower women with entrepreneurial, business, financial and personal development skills. “For men it is said and done thing that father will mentor , but not is the always case for women. So this outfit acts as a mentoring arm and a guide that helps women achieve their endeavours,” explains Priyanka Awasthy, president of Mumbai Chapter (the NGO has another branch at Gurgaon).
Deccan Herald:
Before you wear entrepreneurial hat
Empowering women
Anamica Cannivady, 37, has a four-year-old son but she still is taking baby steps in her own life, not literally, but in the world of business.
Her six month-old maiden business venture Kiya Fashions, an online outlet for artificial jewellery, is yet to grow into a full-fledged sustainable commercial enterprise.
After spending close to 14 years in blue-chip companies at a senior executive levels, she called it quits ‘by choice’ (as she emphatically asserts) to relish the joy of motherhood and also to become a businesswoman.
These Gurgaon Divas mean Business
These Gurgaon Divas mean Business
(Featured in The Times of India Financial Times supplement on May 17, 2012)
“It takes a lot of hard work to be a success in the business world. It is wonderful to have someone to guide and arm an entrepreneur to give the best. Gurgaon based Sarika Gupta Bhattacharya endeavors to do this through her networking forum Biz Divas.”
“Through Biz Divas we want to make entrepreneurship and professional mentoring accessible to any woman with a project, dream or aspiration to be successful in their professional lives.” said Ms Bhattacharya.
This diva means business!
A heart touching real life case led Sarika Gupta Bhattacharya, to start Biz Divas, with co-founders Ranjana Deopa and Priyanka Awasthy. A networking forum which seeks to empower women with entrepreneurial, business and financial skills, Biz Divas has now become a platform for women entrepreneurs and professionals where they voice their thoughts, ideas, forge alliances and seek mentors.
