Gendered Societies and Leadership Trajectories: A Qualitative Study of Women in the Indian Civil Services

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2025.9.2.336

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of women leaders in the Indian Civil Services. Through in-depth interviews this research aims to uncover the success code of the selected twelve women leaders. The study identified six broad themes with subthemes which acted as enablers or deterrents for these women. The findings reveal a complex interplay between personal qualities, success mantras, social and organizational facilitators, and the barriers and challenges in shaping their leadership journeys. By providing rich, narrative insights, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics at play for women in the Indian Civil Services and offers recommendations for fostering a more inclusive environment which can enable more women to reach top positions. The implications of this research underscore the need for targeted interventions to support and enhance the leadership capacities of women in this critical sector.

Author Biographies

Hemlata Vivek Gaikwad, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Hemlata Vivek Gaikwad is an Associate Professor, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune. Her qualifications include dual PhD in Management, Masters in Science (Mathematics) and Business Administration. Her research areas are diversity and inclusion, leadership, women studies, and education. She is a Lilawati awardee and a gold medalist in graduation. She has over two decades of experience in academia and industry, undertaking interdisciplinary research. She has worked on various projects associated with corporates and academia. She has published several papers in international and peer-reviewed journals.

Suruchi Pandey, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Suruchi Pandey is a Professor, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune. Her qualifications include PhD in Management, Masters in Commerce and Management. Her areas of interest include human resource management, leadership development, inclusion & diversity, and future role of human resource management. She has over two decades of experience in academia and in industry, undertaking interdisciplinary research. She has worked on various projects associated with corporates and academia. She has published several papers in international and peer-reviewed journals.

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Published
2025-07-12
How to Cite
Gaikwad, H., & Pandey, S. (2025). Gendered Societies and Leadership Trajectories: A Qualitative Study of Women in the Indian Civil Services. Changing Societies & Personalities, 9(2), 441-462. doi:10.15826/csp.2025.9.2.336
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Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
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Articles