DEIB India and Global Updates - September '26 Edition
Discover key legal insights and societal inclusion steps in DEIB India and Global Updates September 2026 Edition.
Supreme Court Awards ₹12 Lakh Compensation to Woman Denied Employment on Grounds of Gender
The Supreme Court directed Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. to pay ₹12 lakh compensation to a woman who was denied employment at an LPG bottling plant on the ground that she was unsuitable for the work because of her gender. The woman had applied for a helper position in 1988 and was otherwise eligible, but male candidates were appointed instead. Holding that the rejection amounted to gender discrimination, the Court rejected assumptions about women’s ability to perform the work and awarded compensation in lieu of appointment, as she had since reached retirement age. The judgment reinforces the principle of equal opportunity in employment and the need to guard against gender based assumptions in recruitment.
Supreme Court Highlights Impact of Disability on Career Progression Despite Workplace Accommodation
In a proceeding concerning a person with a disability, the Supreme Court examined the impact of disability on earning capacity and career progression. The Court emphasised that continued employment in an accommodated role does not, by itself, mean that disability has had no impact on earning capacity. It considered the role of assistive technology, flexible working arrangements and other workplace accommodations in enabling continued employment, while recognising that disability may nevertheless affect career progression and opportunities in the wider labour market. The Court held that functional disability must be assessed with reference to earning capacity in the open and competitive labour market, rather than solely on whether an employee has been retained by an accommodating employer. The judgment highlights that disability inclusion extends beyond retention to career progression, advancement and long-term economic participation..
Government and Partners Launch Digital “Purple Dots” Initiative for Persons with Disabilities
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and EkStep Foundation, Bengaluru, have signed an MoU to establish a framework for the design, development, implementation and scaling of the Purple Dots – Unified Benefits Interface (UBI) Initiative. The initiative aims to use simple digital profiles or “Purple Dots” through which persons with disabilities can indicate their needs, including employment, skill development, training, assistive technology and other support. Similarly, employers, service providers, NGOs, philanthropic organisations and other institutions can create “dots” identifying the opportunities, services and resources they offer. The initiative seeks to connect these needs and offerings through an interoperable ecosystem, making existing opportunities and support more discoverable and accessible.
ISO Introduces First International Standard on Menstruation and Menopause at Work
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) launched ISO 45010, the world’s first International Standard providing guidance on supporting employees experiencing menstruation and menopause at work. The standard comes amid growing employee expectations for workplace support. A survey of 6,494 women across seven countries found that 68% believe employers have a role in addressing menstruation and menopause-related health issues, while seven in ten want their employer to have a clear process and approach. ISO 45010 provides guidance on workplace policies, manager awareness and training, workplace design and practical adjustments, which encourages organisations to move from awareness to structured workplace support.
Global Gender Gap Report 2026 Highlights Persistent Gaps in Leadership and AI
The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2026 found that 69.2% of the global gender gap has been closed, but estimated that full parity remains 120 years away at the current rate of progress. Women currently hold only 19.1% of CEO roles globally and account for fewer than one in five AI engineers. The report measures gender disparities across economic participation, education, health and survival, and political empowerment. The most significant gaps continue to exist particularly in economic and political representation. The findings underscore the need for organisations to consider gender representation, not only across the workforce, but also in leadership and emerging technical roles that shape the future of work.
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