Let’s discuss something close to my heart, the journey of Indian women entrepreneurs and, in fact, globally. We hear these inspiring stories of women creating empires, but the actual picture, is a tad more complex.
I read an article a while back, and it hit very close to home. It speaks about how many women entrepreneurs end up barely managing to pay themselves a decent salary. Can you believe it? You put your heart and soul into starting a business, working day and night, and when the month is over, khud ke liye kuch nahi bachta, nothing is left for yourself.
It’s such a saying, “The shoemaker’s children go barefoot.” We’re so caught up in ensuring the business so well, paying workers, and covering expenses, that our own requirements come second. Aisa kyun hota hai? Why is it that this is happening?
Well, there are some reasons. Firstly, let’s be realistic, raising money in India, and for women particularly, is not easy. Investors and banks, at times, their thinking is somewhat old-fashioned. They may not treat women entrepreneurs as seriously as they treat male entrepreneurs. So, we usually have to bootstrap, using our own money or loans from family and friends.
Secondly, (hamari society mein) in our society, there are still some expectations from women. We’re usually expected to be caregivers, and there’s this underlying pressure to give more importance to family than to career. So, when the business is in trouble, the first thing we compromise on is usually our own salary. They feel, “It’s okay, main toh manage kar lungi” I’ll manage somehow.
Thirdly, and something which I’ve realized a lot is that women usually begin enterprises in industries such as handicraft, textiles, or food, i.e., domains which are commonly regarded as being “feminine.” As valuable as such enterprises are, and as much as they bring to our society and economy, they do not usually make as much money, for instance, as a computer startup would. Profit margin a little less ha.
But, friends, that does not necessarily mean women have to be dismayed. That merely means that they must think harder and play more strategically. They must fight for equal access to funding, confront societal expectations, and assist one another.
They should also be improved at appreciating their own Employees. As females, they always tend to sell themselves short, they feel selfish for accepting a salary, that they don’t deserve it. But the fact is, wo deserve karte hain. Yeah, they deserve an equal pay for what they do, and the time they put into it is always worth it
So, what is the answer? First and foremost, there’s financial literacy. We must know how to handle our finances, budget our money, and make smart investment choices. Next, we must have good networks and mentors who can advise us in the journey. And lastly, Women’s must be self-assured in their capabilities and ask for what they’re worth without any doubt and hesitation.
The path of a woman entrepreneur is not a cakewalk, yeh toh sach hai, it’s the truth. There are going to be obstacles and failures along the way. But if they have grit, determination, and a little bit of desi jugaad, they can do anything and establish successful, sustainable businesses.
