Gender diversity on the boards of listed firms in China and India

Phase I finds that board gender diversity is significantly related to women's political and economic empowerment at national level. Phase II finds a significant negative relationship between state ownership and board gender diversity in China (2009 and 2015). In India, a positive relationship between state ownership and board gender diversity in India in 2009 had disappeared by 2015, following the 2013 introduction of a one woman director rule for all listed companies. A positive relationship between female workforce participation and board gender diversity was found in both countries. Phase III examines individual beliefs and attitudes regarding board gender diversity.