With International Women’s Day fast approaching, it’s a great time to pause and consider the ever-changing role of women in business. Female entrepreneurs are doing more than leaving a mark; they’re also defining the face of entrepreneurship that lies ahead. In tune with this, we have had the privilege of connecting with some amazing women entrepreneurs who come from different backgrounds and asking them about how they see entrepreneurship changing in the future for women and what role they plan to play in that change.
Being able to overcome hurdles as well as make everybody feel like part of a team is what these women do best; they are transforming lives in ways that really matter. So now, without much delay, let us learn from their advice and take lessons from their experience.
Ms. Aanchal Saini, CEO , Flyrobe
Ms Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, AASOKA & MBD Group
Ms. Dishi Somani, founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
Nikky Gupta, Founder & CEO, Teamwork Communications Group
Ms. Avneet Bhatia, CEO and Founder, NatureFit
Aanandita Vaghani, Founder and Mental Health Counsellor, UnFix your Feelings
Dr.Chytra V Anand, Founder, SkinQ
Divya Yachamaneni, CEO, Naandiwater
Ms. Aanchal Saini, CEO , Flyrobe
As we mark International Women’s Day, I envision a future where women’s
entrepreneurial dreams soar higher than ever before. At Flyrobe, we’re on a mission to be more than just a business; we’re a community that uplifts and supports women on their journey to success. From providing mentorship to creating opportunities, we’re dedicated to ensuring every woman feels empowered to turn her ideas into reality. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative and build a world where every woman’s entrepreneurial spirit shines bright.
Ms Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, AASOKA & MBD Group
As the landscape of entrepreneurship evolves, the future holds immense promise for women, offering abundant opportunities for empowerment and innovation. With their distinct viewpoints and unrealized potential, women are positioned to reinvent the business environment as cultural standards change and diversity becomes more important. I see a world at the vanguard of this revolution, one in which obstacles are removed and opportunity abounds for all would-be female
entrepreneurs.
In my view, it is essential to cultivate an environment where women are not just participants but leaders, driving forward progress and innovation, particularly as we celebrate Women’s Day. I commit to promoting diversity in entrepreneurship, elevating voices, shattering stereotypes, and clearing the path for a day when every woman’s entrepreneurial ambitions may come true, unhindered by constraints. MBD Group has trained around 1 million people with the majority being
females. Today’s skilled girls are the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We are working on skilling women in various states of the country and helping them acquire jobs and earn their livelihood. We actively promote the education of the girl child and have interacted with parents both at the block level and the district level (Punjab, HR, HP, RJ and Odisha) and encouraged them to send their daughters to
schools as well as to skill training centres.
Ashwini
Ms. Dishi Somani, founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
In today’s chaotic world, women stand as the pillar of building a business that not only solves real-world problems but also serves as engines for empowerment and innovation.
According to a Forbes survey, 13.76% of Indian entrepreneurs are women. We at Dishi, strategically position ourselves as key contributors by crafting magnificent jewellery and narratives that challenge old beliefs. Our mission extends beyond jewellery by fostering a collaborative community and providing opportunities for women like us. In an era where women-led businesses transcend boundaries, we are committed to redefining success and leaving an indelible mark on this transformative journey.
Nikky Gupta, Founder & CEO, Teamwork Communications Group
Despite the prevailing societal preference in small towns for more traditional and financially rewarding professions such as medicine, law, and engineering, contemporary women opt to follow their passions and abilities, embarking on entrepreneurial journeys. The positive repercussions of women’s achievements directly bolster their local economies and have a far-reaching impact on their communities. When women entrepreneurs prosper, they are more inclined to reinvest in their families and neighbourhoods, prioritizing areas such as education, nutrition, well-being, and children’s health. Therefore, the role of entrepreneurship in empowering women is poised to significantly influence economic development by generating more employment opportunities for women, advancing gender equality, and unleashing substantial potential for growth, innovation, and positive societal change.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talent within our organization as a fundamental responsibility, I am dedicated to cultivating promising individuals into valuable professionals. With a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, I am deeply passionate about mentoring young women in the industry, drawing from my own experiences of starting from scratch as a woman in the field. This endeavor underscores my dedication to fostering the advancement of women in the industry. We actively challenge conventional industry standards by championing diversity and gender inclusivity within our organization.
As a woman, I am devoted to dismantling barriers for fellow women, assisting them in overcoming marginalization and breaking through the glass ceiling. I ensure that women are provided with the opportunities essential for their success and professional growth. We endorse flexible work arrangements as needed and encourage individuals, particularly women with career gaps, to join our team. Thus, I ensure that women are equipped with the necessary opportunities to thrive while aiding them in evolving into fully-fledged professionals.
Ms. Avneet Bhatia, CEO and Founder, NatureFit
In the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship for women, a promising shift is underway. The ecosystem is becoming increasingly conducive to women entrepreneurs, and notable female leaders are making significant strides across diverse industries. Particularly in traditionally male-dominated domains like Auto, Solar, or EV, we are witnessing a remarkable transformation, with more women
emerging as leaders. This shift signals a more inclusive future. For instance, in my role focused on creating AYUSH alternatives for healthcare, I aim to pave the way for others to embrace unconventional paths. By navigating uncharted territories, my goal is to inspire women to boldly pursue entrepreneurship and contribute to reshaping the narrative of success.
Aanandita Vaghani, Founder and Mental Health Counsellor, UnFix your Feelings
Today, over 20% of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India are owned by women, accounting for 23.3% of the total labor force. As a mental health counsellor, I do take one woman pro-bono client every six months to help foster self-esteem to achieve career growth. I believe in helping women alleviate their anxiety, and deal with tough gender roles in the workplace. I hope to participate in the way that women are empowered enough to continue changing this landscape.
Dr.Chytra V Anand, Founder, SkinQ
The landscape of entrepreneurship is evolving rapidly, with women playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The future for women entrepreneurs is bright, with endless possibilities for innovation and leadership. However, there is still much to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities to succeed in the entrepreneurial world.
As a woman entrepreneur, I am committed to contributing to this change by advocating for policies that support women in business, creating mentorship programs, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. It is essential to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as access to funding, networking opportunities, and balancing work-life commitments.
Divya Yachamaneni, CEO, Naandiwater
Indian women have always been exceptionally resourceful, be it through self help groups, microfinance, etc., despite facing so many barriers. Now that the education levels of women are rising, social norms are shifting slowly, and government initiatives are providing a much-needed boost for women entrepreneurs in India, the prospects are better than ever. Enough research is out that shows how women founded businesses tend to yield higher revenue, yet not enough is being done to address the obstacles. Starting with better access to funding. Though there is a growing crop of investors focusing on women entrepreneurs, that’s nearly not enough. Secondly, we need to work towards strengthening the ecosystem. There’s still way too much resting on a woman’s shoulder to manage – be it caregiving duties or home. Promoting women’s entrepreneurship and employment is in our collective interest, and one way of doing it for me is to mentor women looking to start their businesses and invest in women- owned businesses. It includes showing them how to navigate the market and sharing a lesson or two from my own journey along the way.
Subham Agrawal
