Does Board Gender Diversity Enhance the Sustainable Performance of Firms? Empirical Evidence From India

Abstract

This study explores the link between board gender diversity and corporate sustainability disclosure. The study employs 417 Indian companies to investigate how the incorporation of corporate sustainability disclosure and gender diversity on the board of directors interrelate. The findings show that companies with a higher proportion of female directors enhance sustainable disclosure by taking favorable reporting measures to address environmental issues, social welfare concerns, and governance problems. The companies with more women on board incorporate highly sensitive initiatives regarding the environment, society, and overall governance. These results suggest that women directors add valuable diversity, leading to better decisions and a stronger focus on social and environmental concerns. This study extends the prevailing literature on gender studies and sustainability by presenting empirical recommendations about the role of females in corporate decision-making, specifically related to the sustainability of Indian firms. © 2026 Dhishna Pannikot. All rights reserved.