Multi-Stakeholder Discussion held on “Women Shaping Law and Policymaking” by Primus Partners and Ashoka University

“Legal, corporate, and policy experts come together to discuss overcoming gender barriers in leadership”

New Delhi, 12 December 2024 – Gender equality in law and policymaking is vital for building inclusive and equitable societies. The systemic barriers faced by women include underrepresentation, societal biases, and limited access to leadership opportunities in these fields. Their participation has proven to encourage innovation, enhance inclusivity, and improve decision-making processes. To shape policies that reflect the needs of diverse populations and promoting balanced development across sectors, addressing these challenges and leveraging diversity becomes critical.

Primus Partners, in association with Ashoka University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, hosted a pivotal discussion on Women Shaping Law and Policy in New Delhi on 11th December. The event brought together eminent luminaries from the legal, corporate, and public policy sectors to share insights and actionable recommendations on advancing gender equality. The discussion revolved around key themes such as addressing systemic barriers faced by women in law and policy, areas of scaling inclusiveness, role of women-driven teams and leadership, leveraging diversity to drive innovation, and fostering public-private collaborations to enhance women’s participation in the digital economy. Panellists also shared personal experiences and best practices from global and local contexts, offering a comprehensive roadmap for achieving gender equity across sectors. The discussion was attended by public policy experts, academicians, media and young professionals eager to shape the future of gender-sensitive policymaking.

Madhavi Goradia Divan, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, and Former Additional Solicitor General, provided the legal aspect of the discussions by highlighting the systemic barriers faced by women in the legal profession. “Despite women achieving academic excellence, their representation among senior counsels and on judicial benches remains alarmingly low. Initiatives like the Supreme Court’s Handbook on Combatting Gender Stereotypes are a step in the right direction, but they need to be complemented with sustained efforts like mentorship programs and targeted interventions to create an equitable environment,” she stated. Ms. Divan also addressed the importance of applying a gender lens in constitutional and civil matters, calling for the legal community to take active steps to ensure inclusivity.

Adding a global perspective to the discussion, Ghita Harris-Newton, Senior Director of Public Policy at Google, who is based in the company’s San Francisco office, spoke on the critical role of diversity in fostering innovation. “Women bring unique problem-solving approaches, which are integral to driving innovation in the tech space and beyond. Inclusion is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business and societal necessity,” she said. Reflecting on her own career, she advised young women aspiring to leadership roles in law and policy to have confidence in themselves, be persistent, advocate for themselves, and claim their rightful space in decision-making forums. “Similar to global jurisdictions, India can also create structured mentorship programs and actively promote policies that elevate women into leadership.” she added.

Building on the theme of actionable solutions, Nilaya Varma, CEO and Co-Founder of Primus Partners with his vast experience, called for organizations to go beyond symbolic diversity initiatives. “It’s not enough to talk about gender inclusivity; we need measurable outcomes. Organizations must foster a culture of allyship, where men actively champion women’s careers, and implement concrete policies that create pathways for women to assume leadership roles,” he remarked. Speaking on the importance of public-private partnerships, he added, “India’s G20 presidency highlighted the need for women-led development. We must seize this momentum and ensure it translates into greater participation of women in the digital economy and policymaking.”

The discussion also explored how academia can play a pivotal role in preparing women for leadership roles. The panellists agreed that education systems need to integrate interdisciplinary approaches and mentorship programs to equip women with the skills and confidence to excel in these fields.

The panel discussion, with its focus on actionable outcomes and collaborative frameworks, marks a significant milestone in addressing gender disparities and shaping a more inclusive landscape in law and policy.