Women Entrepreneurs

Women remain under-represented at India Inc: Prime Database study

Women form 23% of employees in listed firms but only 5% of CEOs or MDs, highlighting a steep drop in representation as one moves up the corporate hierarchy

Datanomics: Women's participation rate in India's workforce remains low

India's female labour force participation rate stood at 32 per cent in 2024, significantly lower than several peer economies

Elusive inclusivity: Why gender diversity on boards needs a fillip

Many organisations suffer a "missing middle" in terms of gender diversity, with women dropping out at demanding mid-management levels because of non-conducive social ecosystems

Uttar Pradesh govt launches new scheme to empower rural women entreprenuers

Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the SHE Mart initiative aims to empower rural women by establishing community-owned retail outlets managed by women SHGs

Bihar CM transfers ₹10k each to 2.5 mn women under Mahila Rojgar Yojana

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday transferred Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 25 lakh women under the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana', which aims to promote women's empowerment through self-employment and livelihood opportunities. Kumar disbursed a total amount of Rs 2,500 crore through direct benefit transfer (DBT) at a function held here at his official residence, 1 Anne Marg, officials in the CMO said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched Bihar's 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana' in September, 2025. Around 1.81 crore women have so far received Rs 10,000 each, and those who have utilised the sum for setting up a business will soon get another Rs 2 lakh, the officials said. The chief minister had recently announced that the Bihar government initiated the process of providing additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to select beneficiaries under the scheme.

Women-led startups see 30% jump to over 9,600 in Uttar Pradesh

At present, there are over 19,000 startups recognised by the Central Government's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the state, according to a senior official

Uttar Pradesh govt plans to groom over 500K women micro entrepreneurs

The enterprises will take shape in the hinterland with the Yogi Adityanath government offering training, credit and marketing support across 75 districts

How HR can Shape the Future of Business

HR is now a strategic voice shaping people, culture, and business. In this episode, Urvi Aradhya, CHRO at K Raheja Corp, shares insights on comebacks, leadership, diversity, and the future of HR.

India's 'broken rung': What's holding women back on the corporate ladder?

Gender gaps persist in India, Nigeria, Kenya as women face barriers from entry-level to leadership, with sharp drop-offs in managerial roles, shows McKinsey report

Progcap offers collateral-free loans of Rs 10 lakh to women-led MSMEs

MSME-focused fintech Progcap on Tuesday said it has launched a programme to offer collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to women-led small and medium enterprises in the next three years. The fintech, which is backed by Peak XV (previously Sequoia Capital India), Google and Tiger Capital, among others, seeks to empower 10,000 women-led MSMEs in semi-urban and rural India by FY27, Progcap said in a statement. "Progcap has introduced ProgShakti Development Program, wherein women entrepreneurs can access loans of up to Rs 10 lakh and get certified through capacity-building knowledge sessions helping them grow their businesses," it said. Aligned with the government's 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047 and the goal of increasing women's workforce participation to 70 per cent, Progcap's initiative offers customised credit to women-led enterprises and eliminates the need for a male co-applicant while assessing the creditworthiness, Progcap said. Founded by Pallavi Shrivastava and Himanshu

CAIT, ADSEI come together to empower 500,000 women entrepreneurs in 1 year

The joint initiative by CAIT and ADSEI will integrate with key government schemes such as 'Lakhpati Didi' and other flagship programmes

Women's Day 2025: Meet the 6 achievers who took over PM Modi's social media

International Women's Day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended these trailblazing women for their remarkable contributions to society and their role in shaping a developed India

Women-led tech startups' funding drops 25% in 2024, says Tracxn report

India ranks third globally after US and UK in funding raised by women-led tech startups

Women excel in diverse fields, more efforts needed for equality: Prez Murmu

Women are the foundation of the family, society and the nation and many of them have successfully carved out their identities in diverse fields but a lot needs to be done to improve their socio-economic conditions, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday. In a message on the eve of International Women's Day, the president extended her greetings to "all sisters and daughters" and called the day an occasion to honour the achievements of women power and their unique contribution to the country and society. Women are the foundation of the family, society and the nation and many women have successfully carved out their identities in diverse fields despite facing adversities and challenges, Murmu said. "However, a lot needs to be done to improve the socio-economic conditions of women. Let us all pledge to create a society where every woman feels safe and gets equal opportunities to move ahead," she said. The president also congratulated all women achievers and wished them a bright future

Nearly 80% of women-led businesses face global payment challenges: Report

Around 80 per cent of women-led businesses encounter difficulties with international payments, while 60 per cent struggle with complex regulatory compliances, according to a report. Despite their increasing role in the economy, women-led enterprises constitute just 15.4 per cent of India's 58.5 million businesses, the report on growing ambitions of women entrepreneurs in cross-border trade stated. The report stated that a poll of more than 300 women entrepreneurs highlighted four major challenges, including international payments and compliances, that women face while expanding their businesses globally. Around 60 per cent of women entrepreneurs struggle with export laws, trade regulations, and complex compliance requirements, the report prepared by Aspire For Her and payment solutions provider Payoneer said. Limited access to financial resources and supply chain & logistics issues are the other major challenges, it added. "Many women entrepreneurs face funding shortages and ...

Women hosts make up 30% of Airbnb India, earned Rs 260 crore in 2024

Indian women hosts, almost 30 per cent of Airbnb hosts in the country, have earned Rs 260 crore in 2024, shaping the future of hospitality with inclusivity and economic opportunities. Women in India cumulatively earned approximately Rs 260 crore through hosting, with over 56 per cent receiving 5-star reviews from guests, Airbnb said in a statement. Almost 35 per cent of guest's favourite listings in India are hosted by women, showcasing their excellence in hospitality, it added. "Our data shows that women hosts are delivering exceptional hospitality while achieving financial independence, and women travellers are increasingly exploring the world with confidence. This International Women's Day, we recognise that we must collectively accelerate our efforts. "By empowering women hosts and travellers, we're committed to creating a more equitable future for the generations to come," Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia Amanpreet Singh Bajaj said in a statement. Not just .

70% of women entrepreneurs start businesses from self-motivation: Study

98% have positively impacted families, personal lives and the larger ecosystem by virtue of their businesses

Odisha to set up industrial park for women entrepreneurs, says CM Majhi

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said an industrial park exclusively for women entrepreneurs would be set up in the state. Attending the plenary session on women entrepreneurship enabled by 'Subhadra' on the second day of the 'Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave, 2025' here on Wednesday, Majhi said a special cell for women entrepreneurs will also be opened at the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL). "I want to make two announcements to promote women in entrepreneurship. First, the government has decided to open an industrial park exclusively for women and the second is opening of a special cell for women at IPICOL," Majhi said. The CM said that he was hopeful that these two measures will encourage women to start business independently. He also sought suggestions from women business leaders on how to further raise women's participation in business. The session prepares a roadmap to shape the future of 'Subhadra' industr

Women's representation up significantly on boards of top 100 cos: Report

The representation of women on the boards of India's top 100 companies has significantly improved over the past four years, with only five firms lacking a woman independent director as of March 2024, according to a survey released on Monday. The 5th Annual Corporate Governance Survey by Excellence Enablers are based on the annual reports and website disclosures of Nifty 100 companies. As of March 31, 2024, five companies, including four public sector undertakings (PSUs) and one public sector bank (PSB), did not have a woman independent director on their boards. While this is an improvement compared to 21 such companies in FY 2021, the persistent lapses highlight the need for stricter enforcement, the survey revealed. While having at least one woman independent director (ID) on boards has been mandated under Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Sebi's LODR regulations, there is no similar provision to ensure that women executives are nurtured to graduate to board positions, ..

Ficci FLO's annual meet hosts 350 women entrepreneurs in Northeast region

About 350 businesswomen and entrepreneurs from across the country are taking part in a four-day interstate meet of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), being hosted by FLO's North-East chapter in Guwahati and Shillong for the first time. The meet, titled 'Mystical NorthEast', got underway here on Thursday, a statement said. The interstate meet of the women wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCIFLO) is an annual event organised by the different chapters of the organisation in various parts of the country. FLO has 20 chapters across India. The first two days of the ongoing meet are being held in Guwahati and the remaining two days in Shillong. The meet includes an amalgamation of intellectually stimulating discussions, entertainment and networking and also a blend of learning sessions. A major highlight of the meet is an exhibition 'FLO Bazar' showcasing local art, handloom, weaves and traditional culture, the statement said. "The Interstate Meet is a