Women have always handled the two extremes so well. From being a mother to being a high level professional they have always played all the roles to the fullest. From early 20's to mid 40's these women are changing the dimensions of the startup world. Just like a woman raises her baby, similarly their ventures are no less than a baby for them.They have grown their virtual babies with dedicated motherhood towards them. They have given a perfect blend of creativity and grace in the industry. Be it e-commerce or fin-tech, no circles are untapped.
This Women's Day, there's a message for all the budding women entrepreneurs from the women who are ruling the startup industry:
Purba Kalita, Co-founder, Salebhai"Success is not only about achieving new milestones, but also about touching lives along the way. So whatever venture you set out to build, my advice would be to find a purpose in giving back for all that you receive."
Sakshi Vij, Founder & CEO, Mylescars.com"It would be lovely to reach a time when International Women's Day is not recognized only for the inequalities that exist in gender issues in the world. To me, this day celebrates the individuality as well as the common goals of women. I do however believe, that it is now time for successful women from all spheres to reach out to the less privileged or less aware women around us to help them build a better future for themselves."
Sangeeta Banerjee, Co-founder & CEO, ApartmentADDA"Be fearless. Be fearless about criticism, about rejection, about breaking relationships, about bad reputation. You are venturing out because you have found a purpose that is above all this. Like one of Angels - Sharad Sharma says “Be the Panga Entrepreneur, don’t be the Dhanda Entrepreneur."
Neha Bagaria, Founder & CEO, JobsForHer "For a woman entrepreneur to succeed in the competitive business landscape, it is imperative that we become comfortable giving equal weightage to our careers as we do to our other obligations, roles and responsibilities. And for that we need to build a thick skin and a strong support system.
Because until we don’t, we won’t be able to create the ecosystem required to support this challenging journey to the top of the corporate ladder. We will need to rally the troops and have our backbone structure in place - parents, in-laws, extended family, friends, and yes, husband too. We will need to stop caring about people who don’t understand, and help the people who we care about to understand. We will need to make sacrifices and compromises about being there for everyone all the time and having everything perfect. And we will need to stop feeling apologetic about it."
Swati Dayal, co-founder and Executive Director, Sagoon.comWomen who seek equality with men lack ambition. It’s time to make our own identity and discover the new heights of success. The opportunities are same for all of us; all we have to do is stop seeing us the weaker gender and utilize all we have to turn those opportunities into success.
Sylvia Hii, founder & VP – Marketing, Digital A Plus Group of CompaniesIn the corporate world, it is a fact that women do not get paid equally as men do. This is not only in the Indian context but it is a global issues. In our society, women tend to be perceived as homemaker at first then pursuing a successful career as second priority. Women also seems to accept the fact that they could not demand equal salary as compare to their male colleagues because they have to balance their time between home and office. Personally, I felt that if you are able to work and simultaneously managing the household matter and spending quality time with our children are more precious than fighting for the equal pay.
Radhika Aggarwal, Co-founder, ShopCluesThe most important message I can put out there to all entrepreneurs to work hard and never give up. Limitations exist only in your mind.
It’s actually pretty cool being the only woman who has founded a unicorn startup in India. But you know what even that “unicorn” status is just a point in time, it doesn’t mean you can stop and rest on your laurels. You must keep going.
Being an entrepreneur is difficult, you work so hard sometimes and you have these difficult times, and all you feel like doing is give up. In my six years of being an entrepreneur there have been countless times like these, the only thing you can and should do is resolve to keep going. DO what you have to do keep going, be flexible, be clear about what you’re building and do whatever it takes to keep going.
Maneka Gandhi, Union Minister for Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentWe have FICCI, we have CII, we have the ASSOCHAM, we have bodies like that the government and finance ministry calls in order to make policy and they have an input into it. But they never, ever call women….therefore we are starting – it will be going to cabinet now, the bill for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Council, where women will have a vote, they will elect, they will make their own body. We (the ministry) will put in all the handholding, the money whatever, until you (women entrepreneurs) become as important a body (as FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CII etc.) in policymaking for women.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson and MD of Biocon LimitedOne should never adopt a self defeating belief that there is a glass ceiling beyond which they cannot soar. The glass ceiling is a perception and women with talent and determination must keep on chipping it away till it is smashed. I sincerely believe if a woman is passionate about her career and has a clear vision of her goals, then nothing can stop her.
Dia Mirza, Model, Actress and FilmmakerAs someone who was brought up in a home where I didn’t know the difference between being a male child and a female child, I was empowered/encouraged to seek my dreams and find independence at a young age. I find there is nothing more gratifying or empowering than women at home who empower women. So to all the women out there, I would like to say that you play a pivotal role as a woman of the home – in influencing the men, the house, and the women. So know your rights, treat each other man or woman equally, and give the respect you expect in return.
Debjani Ghosh, Intel South Asia MDI think it’s extremely important for women to take centre stage, to be bold, to be confident, to be resilient and to step up and be heard. And I think women entrepreneurs have a tremendous role to play because the change that is needed in India is going to be brought about with solutions that has to be created or developed right here in India. It can’t be just the men who are driving that.
Anisha Singh, Co-founder, MydalaI only have one message. I keep saying it, and I’m going to say it again. If you’re thinking about doing anything. Starting a business or getting a job, DO IT NOW.
There is no better time. We women doubt ourselves constantly, but, do it. If you don’t, someone else will take your spot. So you know what?
Just go ahead and do it now.
Jyoti Sharma, Co-founder & COO, Abroad ShikshaWomen entrepreneurs are not only marching equally with their male counterparts, they are even racing ahead – and there’s proof! According to the 2016 BNP Paribas Global Entrepreneur Report, 61% women entrepreneurs expected profits to rise in the next year, compared to an average of 58%. Moreover, companies helmed by women entrepreneurs had 13% higher revenues than those run by men.
So with the first-hand experience of being a female entrepreneur managing abroadshiska.com successfully, it can confidently be said that the worthiness of an idea has nothing to do with the gender. There is plenty of inspiration if you look around, Indra Nooyi at PepsiCo, Vandana at VLCC, Oprah at Harpo Films – all women entrepreneurs. So there’s nothing stopping you from executing your idea, becoming an entrepreneur and working hard until a ‘woman entrepreneur’ is no different than an ‘entrepreneur’.
Renu Shirurkar, Co-founder, ClassboatAs, co-founder of classboat.com, I find that the most important thing, as a woman entrepreneur, is to be well organized and proactive. I set my day up the night before and write in my diary exactly what needs doing and what amount of time it will take. I wake up every morning and think to myself, “How well can I take my company forward in the next 24 hours?” I never feel intimidated by the task before me of catapulting the business I started with my husband. Over the period we have a built a loyal team and learnt a lot with every small mistake, My team is like my second family, and take pride and care in the job they do, just as if it was their own company. The close relationship we all share has made it possible for the company to come this far. However being a woman it is equally important to take time for myself daily to exercise and keep me motivated to overcome every challenge, then only the care and attention, which I pay to my team and family, would be possible. As women break through norms and step out of the traditional roles, it is important to remember to value yourself first because only then will you be successful. Be very focused towards your goal and then all the hard times and obstacles become unimportant.
Diane Bacchus Quddus, Co-founder & President, AhhaaWhether in this modern age or the Stone Age women have been playing a fine role of entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur you have to finely balance many things, woman roles increases as her status changes, she learn the art of balancing many things as she becomes a mother, wife, daughter in law and also a leader in her field of work.
Ankita Vashistha, Founder Saha FundEach one of you can be an entrepreneur anytime you want. Being an entrepreneur starts from within you and your attitude, whether by being at home, within a small business, at a huge multinational corporation or at a self-funded startup. Being an entrepreneur defines and differentiates you. It's a way of being spirited in life. If you believe in yourself and what you want to do, you will get the best opportunities and support too! Surround yourself with the best and positive people.
Upasna Taku, Co-founder, MobiKwikBe it rural India or urban, women must realize that they can have a role other than natural care-fivers and nurturer. You cannot pour from an empty glass; thus they need to be happy first to be able maintain a happy environment for others around them. I urge women to realize and chase their dreams. Just go for it because good things come to those who hustle!
Anu Acharya, CEO, Mapmygenome IndiaIt’s tough and its steep, but we have promises to keep
Women ahead of us, cleared a trail
You are strong, not frail
So let’s widen that to an avenue
Let’s inspire some more, not just a few
Not just on international women's day
Let’s win and lead the way!
