Document87.docx

ENGLISH ASSIGNMET (FOR MID-TERM)

Submitted by:RAJASHREE MUKTIAR

DEPT. OF COMMERCE ROLL NO:- MCI15020

CHANGING ROLE OF WOMAN IN BUSINESS IN INDIA The days are gone when women were considered no match for the powerful men in the world. The male dominated world was even reluctant to acknowledge the fact that women were as good as men on parameters of hard work, intelligence quotient (IQ) and leadership traits. The women of new generation across the world have overcome all negative notions and have proved themselves beyond doubt in all spheres of life including the most intricate and cumbersome world of entrepreneurship. Yes, there is a section among women who believe in short cuts to success but at the same time there is no dearth of women who are confident, have belief in themselves and have enormous fire in their bellies to take on the best in the business and beat them at their own game. In India too, there are such bold and fearless women who have made a mark for themselves both within the country as well as

overseas. Women in India are generally perceived as home makers with little to do with economy or commerce. But this picture is changing. Now, in modern India more and more women are taking entrepreneurial activity especially in medium and small scale enterprises. Even though women are receiving education, they face the prospect of unemployment. In this background, self employment can be regarded as a cure to generate income. The Indian government as well as the Planning commission recognizes the need for women to be part of the mainstream of economic development. Women entrepreneurship is seen to act as an effective strategy to solve the problems of both rural and urban poverty. Traditionally, women in India have been found generally in low productive sectors such as agriculture and household activities. Human Development Report 2004 ranks India 103 in Gender related Development Index (GDI). As per 2001 census; women constitute nearly half of India’s population. Out of this total, 72% were engaged in agriculture, 21.7% in other non agricultural pursuits with only 6.3% in household industries. Women entrepreneurs in India are handicapped in the matter of organizing and running businesses because of their generally low level of skills and for want of support system. The transition from homemaker to sophisticated business women is not that easy. But now the trend is changing. Women all over India are

showing an interest to be economically independent. They are coming forth to the business arena with ideas to start small and medium enterprises. They are willing to get inspired by their role models i.e., the experience of other successful women in the business arena. Especially the role of women entrepreneurs is relevant in the situation of large scale unemployment that the country faces. The modern large scale industry also cannot absorb much of labour as it is capital intensive. The small scale industry hence plays an important role in absorbing around 80% of the employment. The myth that women cannot get themselves engaged in productive employment is needed to be dispelled. They should be encouraged to set up small and medium industries on their own initiative. Entrepreneurship development for women is an important factor relating to economic development in India. Rural women should be encouraged to start cottage industries. The government through its various schemes such as Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP), Training of Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM), and Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA); is also putting efforts to encourage the rural based micro enterprises. The aim besides this is to remove poverty through entrepreneurial programs. An ILO report on women entrepreneurship has identified the following problems faced by women entrepreneurs:-

1. Lack of family support :- Sometimes the family may make the women feel guilty of neglecting the household duties in pursuit of her business obligations. Cultural traditions and practices may hold back a woman from venturing into her own business. 2. Lack of capital:- The traditional sources of finance like banks are reluctant to lend to women entrepreneurs especially if they do not have any male or family backing. This is especially in case of lower income families. Sometimes women do not have proper financial and legal knowledge to start an enterprise. 3. Lack of confidence and faith:- Lack of role models undermines their self confidence. The entrepreneurial activities are considered abhorrent to female genders. 4. Lack of right public/private institutions:- Most public and private incentives are misused and do not even reach the women unless she is backed by a man. Also many trade associations like the ministries, chambers of commerce do not cater to the women; instead expecting women’s organizations to do the necessary thing. But,now the scenario is been changing. Despite of facing such hurdles, the Indian women through their relentless zeal, incessant quench for success and willingness to walk the extra mile have broken all myths about their inborn limitations that were supposed to be major roadblocks on

their success expressways in the business arena. Such Indian women who have excelled in the field of business are treasures for our country and can be easily termed as role models for every Indian - both male and females. Some examples are –  Arundhati Bhattacharya, first Chairperson of SBI  Chanda Kochhar, Managing Director & CEO, ICICI Bank Limited  Naina Lal Kidwai, Group General Manager & Country Head of HSBC India  Renu Sud Karnad, Managing Director, HDFC  Shikha Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, Axis Bank  Subhalakshmi Panse, Chairman & MD, Allahabad Bank These are only a few examples of great women personalities in the field of business. Many more successful ladies are there in this business arena who have totally changed the myth that women cannot engage themselves in business. The government of India must evolve appropriate policies and measures to support women entrepreneurs for more growth and development in the business field. All these will foster a culture of women entrepreneurship in India.

Technical terms:- parameters, intelligence quotient, leadership traits, overseas market, entrepreneurial activity, effective strategy, Human Development Report (HDR), Gender related Development Index(GDI) , Integrated Rural Development Program(IRDP), Training of Rural Youth for SelfEmployment(TRYSEM), Development of Women & Children in Rural Areas(DWCRA), Chambers of Commerce, International Labour Organization etc.