Women Entrepreneurship In India - A Successful Paradigm Shift In Female Enterprise
Dr. Sumita Datta of SP Jain Institute's Family Managed Business (FMB) Program shares her views on the changing images of Indian women; from the negative stereotypes faced by women in business to the rise of female entrepreneurship in India.
There are many preconceptions about women in India; including illiteracy, discrimination, exploitation and more; but a narrative has been emerging that puts Indian women entrepreneurs in the role of business leaders.
Datta draws on her 13 years of expertise to comment on the factors responsible for this shift toward emerging women entrepreneurship in India. She sees a number of factors contributing to the trend. For instance, family structures have in recent years changed from joint to nuclear families, with women placed as more significant partners in providing income for their families. Combined with factors like increased education for women and increased exposure to business, many more Indian women are confident and motivated to lead.
There are still many challenges. including the conflict that can arise while managing a business while managing life transitions such as children, marriage and caregivers' duties. The center also interviewed several successful entrepreneurs about what helps them succeed in business and in their lives.
Their experiences paint a picture of organic growth into family business after childhood introductions, of passion and earned expertise and respect after overcoming bias, of balancing acts between work and home life—and of a rising tide of women entrepreneurs in India, made strong by their challenges.
"I think I truly believe that being a woman in business, especially your own family business, adds that added emotional angle to the business ... The reason they have the edge is the passion that drives the business," says Priti Gupta, executive director of Anand Rathi Financial Services. Entrepreneurs interviewed include:
- Disha Doshi, Director—H.K. Printers Pvt. Ltd. (FMB 12th Batch)
- Shivani Kejriwal, Director—Remsons Industries Ltd. (FMB 8th batch)
- Megha Poddar, Director—Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd. (FMB 12th Batch)
- Nidhi Modi, Director—Modi Motors Agencies Pvt. Ltd. (FMB 11th Batch)
- Priti Gupta, Executive Director—Anand Rathi Financial Services (FMB 6th Batch)
Visit the S.P. Jain Institute Post Graduate Program in Family Managed Business to learn more.
Loida Lewis, Fil-Am lawyer, business icon, philanthropist, human rights advocate
Loida Nicolas-Lewis is the CEO of TLC Beatrice, a billion-dollar global business. A Filipino-American businesswoman and lawyer, business icon, philanthropist and human rights advocate; Lewis was the first Filipino woman to pass the New York Bar without attending law school in the U.S. She's also one of the founders of Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Lewis discusses the role of Filipino women in the home and business world; giving back; fighting discrimination and her struggle when her husband died. She shares how she relied on her family and background--as well as her unique strengths as a woman--during her toughest challenges.
Lewis' story is part of a #WonderWomen series on the U.S. Embassy Manila YouTube Channel. Visit the Embassy of the United States Manilla and Philippines to learn more.