Women constitute 50% of world population and 47% of Indian population. As such there is an increase in the number of women- a direct result of education - entering entrepreneurial line.
Women Entrepreneurship Defined:
- Women entrepreneurship may be defined as " a woman or group of women who initiate, organize and run a business enterprise"
- Government of India defines woman Enterprise as an " enterprise owned and controlled by a woman having minimal financial participation of 51% of the capital and giving at least 51% of employment generated in the enterprise to women"
Problems faced by Women entrepreneurship
In addition to general problem faced by any entrepreneur- women entrepreneur face the following additional problems
- Finance - women do not have property in their name to use as collateral, some bank do not consider women credit worthy
- Lack of education
- Limited Mobility- Women mobility is limited compared to men in India- working late, night shifts are not accepted easily
- Family ties- some roles such as home work and taking care of family members in home and children in case of married woman act as hurdles
Industries Promoted by Women Entrepreneurs
- Agarbatti Manufacturing
- Handicrafts
- Apparels/Ready made garments
- Catering services
- Florists and Beauty parlours
Entrepreneurship Development Programmes
Government and other agencies have taken up the job of providing training and development to budding entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India ( EDI), Ahmadabad is one such institute.
