In a landmark commitment to gender inclusion, the State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest lender, has set an ambitious goal to raise the representation of women in its workforce to 30% by 2030. This move reflects SBI’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where women employees can thrive and lead at all organizational levels.
SBI Current Scenario & The Road to 30%
As of 2025, women already comprise about 27% of SBI’s total workforce, with their numbers higher (around 33%) among frontline staff. Recognizing that there is still scope for improvement, SBI Deputy Managing Director (HR) and Chief Development Officer Kishore Kumar Poludasu highlighted that the bank is actively working to bridge this gap through focused initiatives to achieve the 30% target within the next five years.
With over 2.4 lakh employees, SBI’s large talent pool makes this target both significant and challenging, emphasizing sustainable and responsible diversity enhancement.
| Metric | Current Status (2025) | Target (2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Female Workforce | 27% | 30% |
| Female Representation Frontline | 33% | To be maintained or improved |
| Total Workforce | Over 2.4 lakh | Remains large, growing |
| Number of All-Women Branches | 340+ | Expected to increase |
SBI’s Women-Centric Initiatives
SBI has implemented a series of focused measures supporting women’s professional growth and work-life balance:
- Creche Allowance: To assist working mothers with childcare.
- Family Connect Programme: Supporting employees’ work-life integration.
- Re-entry Training: Helping women return smoothly from maternity, sabbatical, or extended sick leave.
- Empower Her Programme: A flagship leadership development initiative offering mentorship, coaching, and leadership labs to build a strong pipeline of women leaders.
- Health-Focused Programs: Including breast and cervical cancer screenings, nutrition allowances for pregnant staff, and a cervical cancer vaccination drive.
- All-Women Branches: Over 340 branches operated exclusively by women staff, fostering inclusive career opportunities.
These initiatives reflect SBI’s holistic approach to gender diversity, ensuring women flourish professionally while feeling supported in personal health and well-being.
Why Gender Diversity Matters
Research consistently shows that gender-diverse workplaces enhance creativity, decision-making, and business results. For a banking giant like SBI, increasing women’s representation is critical not only to mirror the diverse customer base but also to drive innovation and leadership inclusivity.
By reaching the 30% female workforce goal, SBI aims to transform the entire organizational culture, encouraging more women to aspire and reach leadership roles, thereby setting a benchmark in the Indian banking sector.
FAQs
What is SBI’s target for female workforce representation by 2030?
SBI aims to increase its female workforce to 30% of the total employees by 2030, up from the current 27%. The bank is bridging this gap through gender-inclusive policies, leadership programs, and supportive workplace measures to empower women at all levels.
What steps is SBI taking to support women employees?
SBI has introduced various women-centric initiatives such as creche allowances for working mothers, re-entry training for women returning from maternity leave, the ‘Empower Her’ leadership program, health screenings focused on women, and the operation of more than 340 all-women branches to create a nurturing and inclusive work environment.
