Sheatwork celebrates women entrepreneurs on Women Entrepreneurship Day on 19th November 2021
Going back in history, the first Women’s Entrepreneurship Day was observed in 2014, and the inaugural event was held in New York City at the United Nations. A large number of nations (144 nations overall) recognized the first WED in 2014, which included the presentation of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Awards. The idea behind was to celebrate, empower and support women entrepreneurs across the globe; and the immediate aim was to create awareness about 250 million women and girls living in poverty, who deserved to get opportunities in life; and to inspire and empower 4 billion women all over the globe. On this day, it is important to highlight achievements and focus on challenges faced by women in business.
As we celebrate ‘World Entrepreneurs’ Day’ on November 19, it is imperative that we understand how women contribute to modern society. Launched by the United Nations (UN) to encourage and value women entrepreneurs, the date is truly a celebration.
Through the channels of time, women have shouldered family responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, child-rearing and more. Actually, they have been sculpting their strong personalities since time immemorial. Then women started to pursue careers, thereby providing financial support to their families, financial independence for self and also simultaneously contributing to the economic growth of the nation. And, according to the Sixth Economic Census, an estimated 13.5 million women-owned enterprises are creating direct employment for 27 million people.
So, with women emerging as successful business leaders and entrepreneurs, it is a win-win situation for everyone. After all, women empowerment does affect the socio-economic situation of the country in positive ways! Time management skills and a passion to learn, a zeal to work have always been a woman’s strengths which help her to walk the line, balancing personal and professional fronts perfectly. It is pertinent to note that an empowered woman will lay the foundation for a progressive tomorrow.
Stepping on to entrepreneurship & laying the foundation for tomorrow
The success of a woman entrepreneur can be partially attributed to her family as well. As the ‘lady of the house’ steps into the role of an entrepreneur, it is her family who steps in equipped to handle all concerns when needed, in ‘her’ absence due to work-related issues. It is noteworthy how families play such a crucial role in women’s entrepreneurial experiences, not always as a source of restraints, obligations and duties but also as a source of resources and support.
Women have potential, and they will succeed. We have been seeing many women emerge in business. However, there’s a long way to go. Statistically, India, unfortunately, ranks a distant low at 70 among 77 countries in the Female Entrepreneurship Index by GEDI.
As women embark on their entrepreneurial endeavours, they will also need the support of their families and communities. To begin with, families should encourage women to dream big and create ideas to produce results. Providing the much-needed financial support for investing in her enterprise, can be a major hurdle removed from her path. In fact, families can experience the ultimate sense of belonging through the tender care of the ‘lady of the house’; and businesses, economy and societies can benefit hugely from these women when they step out in all dynamism and capability. Investing in women is good for all because when you invest in a woman, the profits are for everyone to share.
Undoubtedly, when inspiration and empowerment prop up women business leaders, the sky is the limit!
Avtar Madan
Content Team
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
