Moily wants more women as directors

Corporate affairs minister Veerappa Moily on Wednesday pitched for better gender diversity in the companies while citing studies that say firms with greater women participation at board levels perform better financially.

‘Diversity of the board contributes to the success of the company.... Gender diversity is not the right thing to do but also the bright thing to do,’ Moily said at a conference on corporate governance, organised by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.

Citing studies, he said, companies with higher number of women at the top level deliver strong organisational and financial performance. He also said companies with more women on the board show better results, quoting studies.

As far as governance is concerned, female directors can provide value addition and positive impact on the company, Moily said while speaking at the conference titled ‘Inspiring Confidence in Indian Business’.

Gender balance board is more like to pay attention and helps in controlling the risk, he said.

‘More women in management can provide broader insights in economic behaviour and consumer choices,’ he added.

About decision-making process, the minister said people should be able to take decision both at the public and private sector level.

He said, ‘failing to take a decision is equal to fraud committed against the nation, according to me’.