Constraints/Challenges Faced In a Journey of Women Entrepreneurship in the Development in Western Maharashtra

Abstract

The main objectives of the present paper are as follows: (i) To examine the factors responsible for growth of women entrepreneurship in India. (ii) To analyse the problems and challenges faced by the women entrepreneurs in India. (iii) To study the policy measures undertaken by the government and other agencies to promote women entrepreneurship in India. (iv) To examine the demographic profile of women entrepreneurs in small scale sector in Pune district, Maharashtra, India, (v) To analyze the various motivational factors responsible for women entrepreneurs to start up their own enterprise. (vi) To probe into challenges / constraints faced by women entrepreneurs to start up their own business. (vii) To suggest the framework for the promotion of women entrepreneurship in current scenario. In India, the need is now keenly felt that women should also work outside the home for getting better living standards for all. It is in this context that, the question of women entrepreneurs has taken new significance especially when unemployment has become a matter of great concern for all. Government of India has introduced the policy measures to promote the status and the level of female entrepreneurs in the country. There has been increasing turned in number of women owned enterprises in India, but despite government efforts, substantial growth could not be achieved. Very few entrepreneurs could approach the government assistance which is the indication that there is a need to revitalise the whole system. Keywords: Women Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Western Maharashtra, Constraints/Challenges. I. Introduction Women have proved themselves very successful entrepreneurs by engaging in one or two income generating ventures within the confines of their homes. The opportunity for developing the home-based small scale entrepreneurship has become more, due to increased level of education among women. The number of women, who acquire professional skills like engineering, managerial etc., has been increasing manifold today. However, a large proportion of such technically qualified women do not take up employment due to family pressures. There is an urgent need to promote avenues for these women to take up entrepreneurship in the twenty-first century in order to exploit their talents which otherwise go waste.