Women Entrepreneurs Moving Front and Center: A New Face of Women

Introduction

Female counterparts contributes majority of the total population across the globe. Similarly in India also women constitute fifty percent of the total population. They are, therefore, regarded as the better half of the society. Till the turn of this century, man has enjoyed a dominant position in comparison to female counterparts. It was a general belief in many cultures that the role of women is to build and maintain the homely affairs like task of fetching water, cooking and nurturing children and has little to do with economy or commerce. However, with the growing importance of commerce and professional education, many students today actively explore opportunities in reputed b.com college to build strong careers in business and management.

In traditional societies, they were confined to the four walls of houses performing household activities. But this picture is changing. Modern times have witnessed an array of changes in societal activities. Among them the most significant and pertinent is woman liberation and empowerment. The spread of education and awareness, need for supplementary income, change in technological innovation and modern way of thinking have reduced the disparity between man and women, bringing about equality between them. Unlike generations of women before, these women are opting to work in the home not as homemakers—but as job-making entrepreneurs. The glass ceiling that once limited a woman’s career path has paved a new road towards business ownership and entrepreneurship, where women can utilize their sharp business acumen while building strong family ties.

Growth of Women Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurial culture is undergoing a positive development. The global evidences buttress that modern women have come out of the four walls to participate into almost all spheres and have proved themselves in different spheres of activities like academics, politics, administration, social work including the most intricate and cumbersome world of entrepreneurship, which were previously the exclusive domain of their male counterparts. They are putting their steps at par with the men in field of business and running their enterprises successfully; bringing them as today’s most memorable and inspirational entrepreneurs. They now constitute around 10% of the total number of entrepreneurs with a rapidly increasing trend. If we see the present business and entrepreneurship trend throughout the world, we can notice that the percentage or ratio of women entrepreneurs is growing tremendously.

Role in Economic Development

Consequently the role of Women entrepreneur in economic development is becoming inevitable as gender equality and economic development go hand in hand. The emergence of women entrepreneurs and their contribution in national economy is quite visible even in India. The Planning Commission of the Government of India too realized that economic development of country progresses simply by promoting women as the center of development initiatives. Development cannot take place unless the people at the grassroots' level are not involved in the development programmes.

Women Entrepreneurs in India

In India also women are showing an interest to be economically independent and taking up business and pioneering activities especially in MSME’S. Women are coming forth to the business arena with ideas to start small and medium enterprises in order to create a meaning for themselves. The traditional roles of housewives are gradually changing into women entrepreneurs. They have been making a significant impact in all segments of the economy across the world. The areas chosen by women are retail trade, restaurants, hotels, education, cultural, cleaning insurance, fashion, beauty products and manufacturing. They are entering not only in selected professions but also in professions like trade, industry and engineering.

Despite all the hitches posed by the society, Indian women still maintain their Statuesque in the cohort and are celebrated for their accomplishments respective fields. The change in societal pattern of Indian society, in terms of better educational growth of women and their desires for improved lifestyle required a change in the way of living amongst Indian women. India too has its own pool of such audacious females who left a noteworthy impression in the country and across the globe who are competing with man and successfully stood up with him in every sphere and entrepreneurship is no exception for this. Women leaders like Indra Nooyi, Kiran Majumdar Shaw(BIOCON), Naina Lal Kidwai (HSBC), Chanda Kochar (ICICI bank), Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Vineeta Singh (SUGAR Cosmetics), Ghazal Alagh (Mamaearth),Vandana Luthra (VLCC), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Upasana Taku (MobiKwik), Richa Kar (Zivame) and Aditi Gupta (Menstrupedia) are assertive, persuasive and willing to take risks. They managed to survive and succeed in this cut- throat competition with their hard work, diligence and perseverance.

Inspiration and Empowerment

Very rightly said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile". Yes, today there is a greater awakening among women in entrepreneurial spirit. Their relentless zeal, incessant quench for success and willingness to walk the extra mile has broken all myths about their inborn boundaries that proved to be the hindrances in the path of their success. “What I learn from talking to so many women around the world: If you can empower them with the right things, the right tools, they can lift up their family. And that ultimately lifts up their community, society and nation” -Melinda Gates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

And this purpose of empowering women with right education and knowledge aligns well with motto of Biyani group of colleges i.e. to educate and nurture the girls for their holistic development and become future professionals and entrepreneurs.

Author
Dr. Priyanka Gupta
HOD, Department Of Commerce & Management
Biyani Group Of Colleges,Jaipur