“Women Are Now Recognised In Every Sector But There Is Long Way To Go”

The country has experienced tremendous business and economic growth as a result of the rise in the number of female entrepreneurs. By creating jobs in the nation, influencing demographic changes and motivating the subsequent generation of female founders, women-owned businesses are playing a significant role in society.

Tanisha Fagwani, Co-founder and Partner, Stonks Studios said, "I started my first startup as a passion project for some extra pocket money. Went on to create five thousand products but Covid hit it really hard. Later, I entered services while I am not a creator, but I love the business of creator as the creator economy is also booming. It's incredible to see how we are recognised in every sector. We are getting the space that we should but there is a long way to go.

Despite the traditionally male-dominated sphere of business, women have broken norms and displayed exceptional problem-solving skills, delivering impactful innovation in recent times. According to the World Economic Forum's 2022 Gender Gap Report, the proportion of women founders increased 2.68 times, compared to male founders who grew by 1.79 times, indicating a gradual but significant progress.

"My father was a first-generation entrepreneur, he started everything from scratch. I have seen him working very hard. Every time I would come back from school or from anywhere, I used to see him working and I always wanted to be like him. Growing up as girls we are never embedded like sons to replace our father in business," said Sunaina Harjai, Founder, Hats Off Accessories.

When Mayurakshi Das, Founder and CEO, Elixir AI while steering the session asked about the journey of all women entrepreneurs on the panel. Sakshi Vij, Co-founder Myles Cars said, "I don't come from a family of entrepreneurs. My father was a first-generation entrepreneur. When I decided to join him, the only objective was learning. There were no mobility provider companies at that time but the learning curve of being in an industry that was at an inflection point was very interesting for me. That’s when we started working towards solving other customer problems that exist in mobility."

Gunjan Taneja, Founder, Head of Marketing and Product Uclean said, "I am the first girl in my family who started a business. Everyone would expect you to do certain things but that’s not your journey. Our business came from the basic need at home. Everyone was pressurising me and my husband to not leave a highly paid job and start this business of cleaning clothes. But we stood firm."

One point that was collectively agreed that women entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves, do not get afraid and take the step.