Women Entrepreneurship in India

Abstract

Women entrepreneur –it may be defined as a woman or a group of women who initiate, organize or run a business enterprise. Women entrepreneurship is gaining importance in India in the wake of economic liberalization and globalization. The increasing presence of women in the business field as entrepreneurs has changed the demographic characteristics of business and economic growth of the country. A strong desire to do something positive is an inbuilt quality of entrepreneurial women, who is capable of contributing values in both family and social life.  They are involved in business activities at all levels, making important contributions to economic growth. While many women are succeeding in business, they are still constrained by the gender values, norms and stereotypes in the environment in which they operate. This conceptual paper indicates and emphasizes the women entrepreneurs as the potentially emerging human resource in the 21^st century. The objectives and purpose of this paper is 1. To study the status of women entrepreneurs in India. 2. To critically examine the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.3. To study the impact of the government policies & programmes to encourage women entrepreneurs. Women of 21^st century is no more  a traditional resource confined to homes only rather an educated, knowledgeable and innovative part of the overall population possessing the capacity to transform economies into thriving enterprise. On the basis of this analysis some recommendations are given to promote spirit of women entrepreneurship and helping the women to become a successful entrepreneur.