Women Entrepreneurship in India: A Pathway to Inclusive Growth
Akhila Badavath
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India.
Chitrasena Padhy *
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India.
Mehazabeen A
Department of Agri Business Management, School of Management, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India.
Santanu Kumar Patra
Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, C. V. Raman Global University, Odisha, India.
Biswa Bandita Nanda
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Sikhsha O Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Odisha, India.
Peddi Harshavardhan
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India and Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In India, the sector of women entrepreneurs is expanding quickly and plays a major role in both social and economic growth. With an emphasis on women entrepreneurs specifically, this review examines the many facets of entrepreneurship. The objective of this study is to offer significant insights and suggestions for fostering a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in India by addressing the obstacles and promoting the enablers. The ultimate objective is to enable women to reach their full potential as entrepreneurs and so make a positive impact on social and economic progress. It explores the meaning and nature of entrepreneurship, emphasising the special qualities and difficulties that women encounter in this field. In order to comprehend the contextual and motivating elements impacting women's entrepreneurial activity, theories of women entrepreneurship are explored. These theories offer a thorough framework for analysing women's engagement in entrepreneurship since they take into account psychological, sociological, and economic viewpoints. Qualities like creativity, risk-taking, and leadership, all necessary for a successful business, are talked about in regard to female entrepreneurs. The common issues that female entrepreneurs face in India are insufficient self-belief, lack of knowledge, underestimating their potential, lack of belief in a female entrepreneur, social restrictions, insufficient possibilities, domination of men, money issues, issues in the production and innovation sector and issues with marketing. Additionally, the report provides useful advice and methods for promoting and advancing women's entrepreneurship in India. These consist of financial resources, policy assistance, networking opportunities, and access to education and training. The study concluded that women entrepreneurs can continue to propel economic progress and serve as an inspiration to the upcoming generation of founders if they are given the proper tools and assistance.
Keywords: Women-led enterprises, gender inclusion, entrepreneurial barriers, Indian MSME sector, female economic empowerment