From universities to schools, women are increasingly shaping governance, strategy and institutional culture across India’s education ecosystem
Across the education sector, the conversation around women’s participation is gradually shifting from representation to influence. Women have long formed a large share of teachers and faculty members, yet their presence in top governance roles has remained limited. As institutions respond to technological change, policy reforms and evolving societal expectations, women are increasingly shaping how education systems define strategy, research priorities and institutional culture.
Expanding Opportunities
Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal, Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, believes stronger institutional support systems are essential to expand women’s participation in decision-making roles.
“Structured mentorship programs can guide women as they advance in their careers, while tenure and promotion protocols should accommodate diverse career paths and family responsibilities. Clear, transparent and equitable performance metrics can reduce bias in evaluations.”
Experts say such mechanisms are crucial to building stronger pipelines that allow women educators to progress from teaching and administrative roles into institutional governance.
Strategic Influence
Saloni Garg, Director of Branding and Promotion, Medicaps University, notes that women are increasingly influencing institutional direction.
“The Indian educational system is currently undergoing a significant transformation that will reshape its fundamental framework. Women have expanded their roles beyond teaching and administrative positions to now shape institutional research agendas, policymaking and strategic development.”
She adds that although women constitute a major share of university faculty members, their presence at vice chancellor and board levels remains limited due to structural constraints such as legacy governance systems and promotion pathways that do not adequately recognise career breaks.
Governance Structures Still Evolving
Devayani Mungali, Director, Sanskriti Group of Schools, says the presence of women in education has grown significantly over the past two decades, but the transition is still incomplete.
“Representation has improved at school levels and in academic departments, yet governance roles in universities and boards still reflect older patterns of selection and visibility,” Mungali says.
She notes that leadership in education is often less about titles and more about the ability to guide institutions through uncertainty.
“Leadership in education is rarely about title alone. It is about emotional intelligence, credibility and the ability to hold systems steady through uncertainty. Many capable women already do this work without formal recognition at the highest levels.”
According to Mungali, barriers are often subtle and embedded within institutional systems.
“The barriers in university structures are rarely overt. They lie in informal networks, legacy appointment cultures and promotion pathways designed for uninterrupted career journeys.”
She emphasises that improving representation requires structural reforms rather than symbolic gestures.
“If we are serious about strengthening the leadership pipeline for women, reform must focus on structure rather than slogans. Mentorship at senior levels matters, and governance roles should reflect demonstrated institutional contribution rather than token inclusion.”
Changing Role Of School Administration
At the school level, expectations from administrators have expanded significantly as institutions adapt to new educational realities.
Vibha Kapoor, Principal, Welham Girls School, says education governance today requires the ability to anticipate emerging trends.
“Education leadership today begins with the ability to read signals of change. The purpose of schooling is not only to explain the past or interpret the present but also to prepare young people for the future.”
Anju Soni, Principal, Shiv Nadar School, Noida, also highlights the changing scope of school administration.
“The role of women in school leadership is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, women principals were often perceived primarily as efficient administrators responsible for managing operations and maintaining institutional stability. Today, however, their work is becoming far more strategic, outward-looking and policy-aware.”
Representation Challenges
Despite visible progress, experts say structural barriers still affect women’s access to top governance positions.
Sonica Aron, Founder and Managing Partner, Marching Sheep, says the rise in representation has not yet translated into structural parity.
“In India, women form nearly 42–45 per cent of higher education faculty, yet vice chancellor representation remains in low double digits. We are seeing more appointments, but not a systemic shift.”
She notes that career interruptions, traditional governance networks and sponsorship gaps often slow advancement to senior roles.
Building Future Pathways
Vani Khanna, Head – Undergraduate Admissions and Communications, Universal Ai University, highlights the importance of sponsorship and institutional culture.
“While mentorship is useful, sponsorship is a critical factor for women academics. Research shows that women who have a sponsor are far more likely to progress.”
As universities and schools navigate technological disruption and changing workforce expectations, experts say inclusive governance frameworks will become increasingly important. Expanding mentorship networks, strengthening institutional accountability and encouraging women’s participation in decision-making could help ensure that the sector’s growing diversity translates into lasting institutional change.