In this episode, Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen invite Dr. Shreyashi Chakraborty to discuss her research on gender inequality in the Indian software industry. Dr. Chakraborty shares personal experiences and systemic issues leading to gender bias, including societal patriarchy, lack of anti-discrimination laws, and underrepresentation of women in senior management. The discussion also highlights shocking recent events, such as the tragic case of a female doctor in Calcutta, and the challenges faced by women in both formal and informal sectors. Dr. Chakraborty further explains her ongoing research initiatives targeting investor reactions to female representation in top management and the conditions of women in India's informal economy.

If you are interested in Dr. Chakraborty's work, please check her recent publications:

• Rationales of gender diversity management policies and practices in India: An exploratory empirical study in the Indian IT/ITeS Industry⁠https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/edi-04-2019-0124/full/html⁠
• How do markets react to women leader: An IPO Investigation⁠https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/13473#page=416⁠
• Safe and suitable yet unequal for women: understanding the inequalities in the hiring process in the Indian Software industry⁠https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/research-handbook-on-inequalities-and-work-9781800886599.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqEwmMKYMFS5DrDMDr7aM73OlwnwjamQjJkxJiX-HRxMAMS2WbJ⁠

00:38 Welcome to the Podcast

01:14 Guest Introduction and Research Background

03:28 Current Gender Inequality in Indian Software Industry

07:25 Shocking Incident in Calcutta

10:35 Challenges in Speaking Up

14:20 Recruitment and Selection Inequalities

20:13 Field Work Insights

21:44 Importance of Equal Representation

25:22 Diversity Management in India vs. Developed Economies

27:34 Ongoing Research and Future Directions

35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts