Why do we say “Be a man and fight it!”? Let’s say “We are women and we can fight it!”. Historically, women have faced barriers and discrimination in business and entrepreneurship.
 |
| Source - GEM |
However, over the years, these barriers have been gradually breaking down, allowing more women to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Common Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs
1. Access to Capital - Women entrepreneurs often encounter difficulties in securing funding for their businesses. They may face bias from investors, have limited access to venture capital, and struggle to obtain loans or credit due to gender-based discrimination.
2. Gender Bias and Stereotypes - Gender bias can affect how women entrepreneurs are perceived by potential investors, customers, and business partners. Stereotypes about women's abilities in certain industries or leadership roles can hinder their progress.
3. Limited Networking Opportunities - Building a strong professional network is crucial for business success. Women entrepreneurs may have fewer opportunities to network, especially in male-dominated industries, which can hinder their access to mentors, customers, and collaborators.
4. Work-Life Balance - Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for women. Societal expectations regarding caregiving and household duties can put added pressure on women entrepreneurs.
5. Discrimination and Harassment - Women entrepreneurs may face discrimination and harassment in the workplace, which can create hostile environments and impact their emotional well-being and productivity.
Despite these challenges, many women entrepreneurs have successfully overcome these obstacles, often with determination, resilience, and the support of networks and organisations dedicated to promoting gender diversity and equality in entrepreneurship.
Organisations, both public and private, exist to support women entrepreneurs. These include women's business associations, government programs, and initiatives by corporations aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion.
How Do They Help In Shaping The Society?
1. Job Creation - Women-led businesses create job opportunities, helping to reduce unemployment and improve livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities may be limited.
2. Changing Gender Norms - Women entrepreneurs challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes by occupying leadership positions and demonstrating that women can succeed in various industries, including those traditionally dominated by men.
3. Empowering Other Women - Women entrepreneurs often serve as role models and mentors for other women, inspiring them to pursue entrepreneurship and providing guidance and support to help them succeed.
4. Promoting Gender Equality - The success of women entrepreneurs highlights the importance of gender equality and women's rights.It puts pressure on society to address issues such as gender-based discrimination and unequal access to resources.
5. Policy Advocacy - Successful women entrepreneurs often become advocates for policies that promote gender equality and support women in business. They can influence government policies and corporate practices to be more inclusive.
Thus, women entrepreneurs are not only contributing to economic growth but also driving social change by challenging traditional norms, promoting gender equality, and addressing societal challenges.
Their presence in various sectors of the economy is helping to shape a more inclusive and progressive society.
Real Life Examples of Successful Women Entrepreneurs (India)
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon Ltd) - Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a prominent entrepreneur and the founder of Biocon Ltd, one of India's largest biotechnology companies.
Under her leadership, Biocon has made significant strides in the field of healthcare and biotechnology. Her work has contributed to advancements in healthcare and has also empowered women to pursue careers in science and technology.
Rajlakshmi Borthakur ( TerraBlue XT) - Rajlakshmi Borthakur is the co-founder of TerraBlue XT, a startup that designs and manufactures electric vehicles for differently-abled individuals.
Her company's innovative products have not only provided mobility solutions but also raised awareness about accessibility and inclusivity in Indian society.
Shradha Sharma (YourStory) - Shradha Sharma is the founder and CEO of YourStory, a media platform that focuses on sharing stories of entrepreneurs and startups.
Through YourStory, she has provided a platform for countless women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and inspire others. Her work has had a significant impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.
Falguni Nayar (Nykaa) - Falguni Nayar is the founder of Nykaa, one of India's leading e-commerce platforms for beauty and cosmetic products.
Her company has not only disrupted the traditional beauty industry but has also created job opportunities for many women in the beauty and retail sectors.
Richa Kar (Zivame) - Richa Kar is the founder of Zivame, an online lingerie platform. Her company has not only revolutionised the way women shop for intimate wear but has also contributed to changing societal attitudes towards women's comfort and choices.
Chetna Gala Sinha (Mann Deshi Foundation) - Chetna Gala Sinha is the founder of the Mann Deshi Foundation, which empowers rural women entrepreneurs through financial literacy, business training, and access to credit.
Her work has transformed the lives of countless women in rural India, enabling them to become financially independent.
Upasana Taku (MobiKwik) - Upasana Taku co-founded MobiKwik, a mobile wallet and digital payment platform.
Her company has played a significant role in promoting digital financial inclusion in India, making financial services more accessible to a wider population, including women.
Shanti Mohan (LetsVenture) - Shanti Mohan is the co-founder of LetsVenture, a platform that connects startups with investors. Her work has facilitated funding opportunities for numerous women-led startups, fostering entrepreneurship among women in India.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, women entrepreneurs are playing a pivotal role in reshaping society on multiple fronts. Despite historical barriers and common challenges they face, these determined and innovative women are making a profound impact.
As more women break down barriers and thrive in entrepreneurship, their positive impact on society is set to continue growing, ultimately leading to a more diverse and equitable future for all.
Let us, the women, be the flagbearer!
Written by – Khwaaish Gupta
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - guptakhwaaish11105@gmail.com
.png)
0 Comments