Tata Starbucks has opened two stores in India operated entirely by women as part of the firm’s efforts to address systemic inequities in opportunities for female workers within the country.

The two female-staff-only stores are located in Delhi and Mumbai, and constitute a step forward in Tata Starbucks’ commitment to expand the representation of women in the workforce. The program also includes initiatives to offer opportunities to women that take into account the responsibilities of motherhood. The firm offers 100-per-cent gender pay equity and aims to ensure women make up 40 per cent of its total workforce by the end of 2022.

Tata Starbucks says it will double the number of its female-led stores by the end of this year in the interests of empowering and supporting women leaders.

“Tata Starbucks remains focused on creating and strengthening opportunities for women and fostering diversity across our organisation,” said Tata Starbucks CEO Navin Gurnaney.

“We are proud to open these all-women stores that will increase our commitment to diversity and inclusion in India and empower our female partners in new and meaningful ways.”