Entrepreneurial Women
Blaze new paths and slap the traditions that are antithetical.
Today, most women prefer being self-employed and, the idea of independence appeals to them. Women are moving out of their comfort zone, exploring fields they weren’t considered capable of, and starting their own ventures.
Today’s businesswomen’s population comes from all walks of life and is no longer restricted to educated higher-income families.
· Of all directors of startups, 35% are women.
· Women constitute 14% of total entrepreneurs in India.
· About 35% women entrepreneurs have a co-founder.
These numbers are encouraging, if not superlative.
Myths About Women Entrepreneurs
Breaking stereotypes?
Unfortunately, the rising myths about female entrepreneurship has even caused women to hesitate and step back from being on their own. Defaming a few given below,
- “Female entrepreneurs lack confidence”
If not for confidence, women would not have this zeal to venture out on their own and build strong foundations in the society. - “Women are too emotional about business”
Emotional quotient is seen as a major plus point in business. It is a persuasive aspect and can inspire creativity, self-awareness and growth. - “Technology isn’t her cup of tea”
A women’s thinking and problem-solving ability isn’t much different from that of men’s. We have witnessed various tech savvies being women. - “Women are bad negotiators”
Her EQ and persuasive ability makes her a very capable negotiator. A woman uses her feminine traits that are held up against her, for her own betterment and to be, if not less, just as effective as a negotiator can be. - “A woman with kids cannot be successful”
Studies have shown that women entrepreneurs with a household tend to be more successful because of their trusted status in the community and the ability of multitasking.
Ironically, women-owned businesses are playing an active role in betterment of the society and the economy. These myths help her establish herself in this society and by proving each of them wrong, she paves way for others like her to make a mark for themselves and impact the community.
In a recent study on women, the prime entrepreneurial skills found included confidence, leadership, creative thinking in problem solving, being efficient and effective in executing plans, entrepreneurial and business knowledge, being analytical, balancing skills between personal and business life, and flexibility.
They told me I couldn’t. That is why I did it!
The First Female Entrepreneur
Madame C.J. Walker- the first self-made woman; recorded as the “first female self-made millionaire” in America in the Guinness Book of World Records. She was a daughter to slaves and was orphaned at the age of 7. She quite literally built her whole empire out of absolutely nothing. After suffering from a scalp ailment, she created a scalp conditioning and healing formula — Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower, in 1905. Walker sold her products door to door, teaching other black women how to groom and style their hair. By 1910, she had an established headquarters for the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company.
Walker and more women like her, paved the way for present generation Oprah Winfreys and Marissa Mayers.
“If you don’t know what your passion is, realize that one reason for your existence on earth is to find it.”
- Oprah Winfrey
