Status of Women-entrepreneur in Indian Startups

Abstract

Entrepreneurship refers to the process of creating wealth for the society with the entrepreneurial capability not only for the entrepreneur but also for the societal, government, and economy of nation cause by availing the opportunities in a fast-shifting social, political, legal and economic environment. The increasing rate of Start-ups has been registered over a couple of years and in maximum start-ups founders are male. Female entrepreneur is now initiating and performing at the digital platform. Females increasing number of enrolment in schools and higher education has contributed to innovative products and niche market. Women play a vital role in every sphere of life in the family and in building society as well. As far as an entrepreneur is concern there is insignificant participation of women entrepreneurs. In the 21st century, as women empowerment has become the main focus of discussion, the government and societies have identified the potentially women’s participation and their importance but still while creating policies women entrepreneur is ignored. The participation of women is necessary for socio-economic progress and for the large interest of any Nation. Strategy makers must understand the prerequisite for women entrepreneurs and avenues for women’s economic independence. The Government of India has defined women entrepreneurs as “An enterprise owned and controlled by women having a minimum financial interest of 51 per cent of the capital and giving at least 51 per cent of the employment generated in the enterprise to women. Women Entrepreneur is a person who accepts a challenging role to meet her personal needs and become economically independent.” This study analyses their current status causes that have provoked them to set free their entrepreneurial abilities into start-ups. The study will facilitate in understanding the women-entrepreneurship to researchers, policy-makers, educators and practitioners help them to foster a favourable conducive ecosystem for women-entrepreneur. This research study is based on secondary data where drawbacks in entrepreneurial policy are highlighted and some recommendations are given to promote the healthy growth of women entrepreneurs. As per scheme guidelines, in Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme(EAP) and Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) there should be overall 40% women participation. This paper tries to analyze the participation of women startups in economic development and to identify various factors responsible for higher numbers of womenstartups. The causes of low female-start-up participation are difficult in access to finance and networks, responsibilities towards family and child-care, low level of confidence in business in women’s skills. This research paper tries to recommend some measures that can assist women’s entrepreneurial empowerment. This study also gives an insight into opportunity and prospect for female-entrepreneur and analyse start-up scheme of government to empower women entrepreneurs and the challenges they face.