SBI Aims to Increase Women’s Representation to 30% in Next Five Years

The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a new diversity and inclusion strategy with the goal of increasing the representation of women in its workforce to 30 percent over the next five years. Currently, women make up 27 percent of the bank’s total workforce of more than 2.4 lakh employees, while at the frontline level, women already account for 33 percent.
To achieve this target, SBI is introducing a range of women-focused initiatives designed to create a more supportive and empowering workplace. Key programmes include a crèche allowance for working mothers, a family connect initiative, and a special training module to help employees transition smoothly back to work after maternity leave, sabbaticals, or extended medical breaks.
At the core of this strategy is Empower Her, SBI’s flagship programme that focuses on identifying, mentoring, and developing women for leadership roles. Through structured leadership labs and professional coaching, the bank aims to build a strong pipeline of future women leaders across all levels of the organisation.
Recognising the importance of health and well-being, SBI has also launched preventive healthcare initiatives such as breast and cervical cancer screenings, nutrition allowances for pregnant employees, and a Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive.
The bank’s commitment to inclusion is also reflected in its network of over 340 all-women branches operating across India — a number that is expected to grow. Women employees are now represented across geographies and seniority levels, reinforcing SBI’s focus on diversity, safety, and professional growth.
Through these initiatives, India’s largest lender continues to strengthen its people-first culture, setting a strong example for gender inclusion and leadership equity in the Indian banking sector.
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