How Women Are Changing And Paving The Way For Other Women To Take Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship in India is pacing its way to become the next revolutionary movement, and women entrepreneurs are at the frontlines of this growing industry.
“Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high” are the words of Rabindranath Tagore. They are words that are befitting to the nature of all hard-working women. Today, as we move from one generation to another, the world holds a better place for equality among all human beings. Today, it is safe to say women have made a notable mark with their presence in various professional fields. Mothers of home, leaders of a country, domestic workers, head of a company, an entrepreneur or a car mechanic. You name it; women are there. However, today we will be focusing on the entrepreneurial side of work and the journey women have embarked on becoming successful.
India is a diversified country with rich culture, ethnicity and is an important biodiversity hotspot. However, women and inequality are widely prevalent in both personal and professional spaces. However, times are changing, and women are pacing ahead of pre-historic societal notions. Starting with statistics, the economic census states that the percentages of women entrepreneurs in India make up 8.05 million out of 58.5 million, according to the Sixth Economic Census. Entrepreneurship in India is pacing its way to become the next revolutionary movement, and women entrepreneurs are at the frontlines of this growing industry.
Women in the Field of Entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is a field that is expanding with each passing day. In case you’re wondering how this is possible, the answer is “start-up culture.” The start-up ecosystem in India comprises over 74,000, while more than 7,000 is funded by the Government under the StartUp India scheme.
The StartUp India scheme works towards nurturing entrepreneurship skills among women. With this scheme, women entrepreneurs are increasing manifold. Women entrepreneurs account for 14% of entrepreneurs in India, according to recent statistics.
Businesses owned by women play a significant role in bringing constructive changes to society. Not only are they an inspiration to other women, but they balance the growth of the economy.
Current Entrepreneurship Landscape for Women in India
Entrepreneurship occupies an essential place in the growth of the economy. A balance between the contribution of both women and men cannot be ignored in the entire process. However, the contribution differs from one region to another. In India, statistics show a sharp decline of women entrepreneurs in rural places. Some of the main problems women face are finance, which leaves trails for challenges to acquire raw materials, competition, familial roles, lack of education, dominant male societies, and the list goes on.
However, the government and other Non-profit organisations are paying attention to women’s problems in entrepreneurship. The development of women, in general, is a priority of the government since Independence. Initiatives like including the welfare of women in Five Year Plans since 1951, implementing new policies for the Survival, Protection and Development of Women, coupled with over twenty-seven schemes, assure women of their role outside their homes. Most of the schemes are under the Integrated Rural Development Programme, expanding over a wide range of women’s development.
Future Prospects for Women Entrepreneurs
Women in business are picking up with the pace of the world. While ethical morals are left behind, women pick them up on the way to success all over again.
Today, Indian women are also making their mark in helping to re-shape the perception of Indian society. Women entrepreneurs’ core intention lies in inspiring other women to venture outside their homes’ four walls. With ongoing policies, educational schemes, access to media and start-up culture, women can now dream and work to be a part of a global entrepreneurial culture.
