Despite some sectors being perceived as ‘No Entry’ for women entrepreneurs, they continue to embrace entrepreneurship and forge relationships across borders. Forming global partnerships is a way to expand internationally, according to a recent study that found more than 50 per cent of its respondents stating they were happy being entrepreneurs as it gave them a sense of freedom.

Most of the respondents, however, said they faced a constant struggle to be taken seriously: A majority of the women surveyed, around 68 per cent, said they faced this particular challenge . In addition, 40 per cent claimed that their family members did not approve or were not confident of them being entrepreneurs.

The survey, conducted by Greyhound Sculpt, the consumer research arm of Greyhound Knowledge Group, showed that family approval especially that of elders and husbands, tended to play a decisive role for women in business matters.

The survey was conducted across Mumbai, NCR, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

Emerging force

Traditionally seen as the family bulwark, women are now emerging as a force in enterprises. Several examples, such as Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat of Lijjat Papad, and Rajni Bector of Cremica Foods speak of the entrepreneurial success of women in many fields.

Sanchit Vir Gogia, Founder and Group CEO, Greyhound Knowledge Group said, despite business styles that may be different from their male counterparts, women’s business skills are just as sharp. “Women entrepreneurs are a brave new breed and soon, with technology, finances and other business support on their side, may be a significant sector of enterprise,” she added.

The regular working woman is also now fast metamorphosing into the entrepreneur woman, the survey showed. However, 20 per cent women claimed they started their own business to follow their passion and satiate their need for creative satisfaction.

For example, makeup artists opened their own salon, housewives started home-cooked food delivery services for office-goers, among others. On the other hand, 20 per cent of the respondents have started their own business for a better standard of living.

Unafraid of risks

Debashish Kundu, Co-Founder, Greyhound Sculpt added, “Women are now embracing the entrepreneurial spirit in a big way. Not afraid to take risks, they are taking leaps into converting their passions into viable business models. This new breed of enterprises will need as much technology and marketing support, which could be an interesting market opportunity.”

Speaking about the challenge of balancing work and family, more than 40 per cent women claimed that they either worked from home or near their homes, to look after their family and complete regular chores.

The women surveyed claimed that there were some sectors where there were strong entry barriers. Sectors like transport, real estate, automobiles, etc are identified as sectors with very strong entry barriers to women entrepreneurs.

amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in

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