In India, recognizing the significance of the role of woman in the growth and development of the corporate, The
Securities and Exchange Board of India vide its circular date 17th of April, 2014 made it compulsory for all the listed
companies to appoint at least one Woman Director on their Board by 31st of March, 2015 in alignment with the
requirements of Section 149 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013, under corporate governance norms. Thus days are
gone when women were ignored and their role was undermined. Today women are pillars of the business organization
and making noteworthy contribution towards the success of business. In view of the burgeoning significance of
women in corporate houses, this article makes an endeavor to delve deep into the need of women empowerment,
how presence of women on corporate boards have enhanced the performance of the business organizations, the
regulations governing the appointment of women directors on corporate boards and legal ramifications, takeaways
from global practice and other important aspects.

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