Increasing number of multinational firms in the country has helped Indian women to play

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a greater role as managers and entrepreneurs in the corporate sector, according to a study.

Industry body Asscoham said in study titled 'Corporate Women: Close the Gender Gap and Dream Big' women executives would play a fundamental role in building and shaping market-leading institutions.

"Increased role of private sector and increase in the number of multinationals has facilitated a slow but definite rise in number of women managers and entrepreneurs in the corporate sector," the study released on the eve of International Women's Day said.

The emergence of service sector like tourism, hospitality, media and entertainment and BPOs is witnessing an increased role for female employees.

However, the report said the number of women at top levels in the country "is small" as compared to other nations.

"Indian multinationals still have to design women-friendly schemes that account for working mothers and institutional support such as availability of quality childcare," it said.

At present, it said out of 1,112 directorships of 100 companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, only 59 positions, or 5.3 per cent, are held by women.

"This compares with 15 per cent in Canada, 14.5 per cent in the US, 12.2 per cent in Britain, 8.9 per cent in Hong Kong and 8.3 per cent in Australia," it added.