THE UNSUNG HEROINES- WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

In the past few years, the increasing presence of women as entrepreneurs has led to the change in demographic characteristics of the business and economic growth of the country. Women-owned business enterprises are playing a prominent role in society inspiring others and generating more employment opportunities in the country.

“ I’m not going to beat around the bush or paint a rosy picture.”-the first few years of entrepreneurship are pure baptism by fire instead of water. Women entrepreneurs promote balanced growth in the country, and Startup India is committed to strengthening the women entrepreneurship ecosystem, through policies and initiatives, and the creation of enabling networks. It was a neglected domain during the past, but with the spread of education and awareness among the women the picture has been changed and the women have as emerged as today’s most memorable and inspirational entrepreneurs.

It is said that family is a chariot with wheels that are driven by both male and female members of the family. If one of the wheels is lagging, the chariot i.e. the family will not be able to grow and develop. If we speak about the nation, the women entrepreneurship plays a dominant role in economic development and makes significant contributions to the economic growth of the country.

TIPS FROM BEST WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

DON’T LET ANYONE BULLY YOU

MEGHNA SARAOGI, the Founder of StyleDotMe, says:

“In my entrepreneurial journey, I have received really valuable advice and while I can’t share them all, here are three - never let anyone bully you. Be strong and face every situation fiercely with grace and dignity. Appreciate what you have built, protect it, and be proud of it. "

It's extremely important to have people in life without any agenda so that you can share things with them without having the fear of being judged and get unbiased advice whereas sharing it through your colleagues might develop a case of deceiving.

TRY SOLVING ONE PROBLEM AT A TIME

GHAZAL ALAGH, Co-founder of Mamaearth, says:

"By virtue of being a woman, we are always occupied with multiple tasks and the inability to focus single-handedly on something intensifies if you are also a mother.

"Being a mumpreneur, I have handled two growing babies and the best advice I have received in my entrepreneurial journey is to maintain focus on solving one problem at a time. "

It’s quite common for working women to lose focus while you strive to strike a balance between business and home but at the end what matters is your ability to bounce back and focus on your goals.” 

PRIORITISE, FOCUS, REPEAT

Meeta Sharma Gupta, the Founder of Shumee, says:

"Being an entrepreneur is a tough journey and being a woman entrepreneur adds another layer of complexity due to the additional roles a woman needs to play.  The best advice I have received is to keep your focus and learn how to prioritize stuff and not expect perfection at every stage.

"Another advice, which has helped me and is true for everyone is that one has to ride the waves and not against the waves. Nothing is in one’s control and one needs to trust one’s gut in the process."

There should be a little flexibility in you to ride the waves; being too rigid about things may not be the best solution many times. And finally, in all this, remember that the journey is to be enjoyed no matter what the destination is.

CHALLENGES BEFORE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• The conflict between domestic and entrepreneurial commitments.
• Gender gaps in education.
• Not being taken seriously.
• Fear of taking risks.
• Wanting to be perfect in all tasks.
• Patriarchal society.
• Wanting to please everyone.

CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

• Capital formation.
• Generation of employment.
• Improvement in per capita income.
• Balanced regional development.