Women: rising entrepreneurs

Despite the odd exception, women are portrayed in traditional Indian society as responsible daughters, sisters, housewives, and mothers. But when it comes to working and earning incomes, men were expected to play the lead. But this is not the case nowadays. Women in India have come a long way and are still growing along with the challenges that come their way. However, when we specifically throw light on the topic of female entrepreneurs in India, it is evident that the number of women-owned enterprises is too low. Nevertheless, we can see the growing breed of businesswomen but the pace of this growth is moderate. According to the Sixth Economic Census by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), only 14 per cent of business establishments in the country are run by female entrepreneurs. Also, it was observed that most of these women-run companies are in the small-scale sector.

In many parts of the country, women are expected to give first preference to home and then work. Others have to juggle home and work by giving equal importance to both. For these women, it is often the case that their profession takes a backseat. Hence, they indulge in areas in which they have “natural” expertise. Another example of gendering. Some examples are baking, catering, tailoring, boutiques, beauty parlours, and handicrafts, which become small scale because these enterprises give them the flexibility of devoting the amount of time to work and housework according to their convenience. 

To gain experience, women start their careers as employees and only a few decide to open a venture of their own. A major chunk of women, just like men, are not willing to take the entrepreneurial step because they feel secure in their current jobs and don’t want to take risks. Other factors can be lack of skills, lack of confidence, difficulty in balancing business with housework, or other social barriers. A majority of Indians view working women as a financial prop for households and not as the development of an individual or the nation as a whole. This is also one of the causes that restrict women from thinking of starting a business.

Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc help in promoting businesses online and it is an easy way to reach out to audiences and consumers. With this increasing trend, women are getting more involved in social media for business which gives them flexibility in working patterns. Some women do this to spend their free time. Women with hobbies like embroidery, painting, and craftwork are starting businesses where social media become the medium of communication. Social media platforms have definitely pulled Indian women’s attention away from regular household chores, but the other side of the coin is that the growth of these businesses is confined.

Over time, many Indian women have worked hard on their capabilities, skills, employability, and business acumen. As our society progresses, more women are entering the workforce and contributing to the country’s GDP and social capital. With a low percentage of women in the workforce and as entrepreneurs, if women stuck in domestic chores and wage-earning jobs can start businesses, the potential for economic growth is immense. In a few years, not just our huge population of young people, but also Indian women, who are currently underrepresented in the workforce and entrepreneurial class will become drivers of India’s economic growth.  

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