Background

With only 14% entrepreneurs in India being women and the country’s 2022 world economic forum ranking 143 (out 146) in economic participation & opportunities for women tells a grim story. Women entrepreneurs in India continue to face persistent gender biases and stereotypes, making it challenging for them to succeed. Along with cognitive biases, women entrepreneurs encounter obstacles such as lack of family support, limited access to financial resources, education, and technology. Despite these challenges, a study by BCG has found that startups founded or co-founded by women tend to perform better over time, generating a cumulative revenue of 20% more than male-led startups over five years. Investing in and supporting women entrepreneurs in India is not just a social imperative, but also an economic necessity. By promoting gender-inclusive policies and practices, we can create a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits everyone.