India is experiencing a significant surge in female entrepreneurship, marking a transformative period for business and economic growth. Women-owned enterprises are not only driving societal evolution but also creating job opportunities and inspiring future generations of female leaders.

My own entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity and personal experience. Faced with the limitations of conventional baby care products, my husband Varun and I founded Mamaearth to address the need for toxin-free solutions in the Indian market. Over the past seven years, I’ve witnessed remarkable changes in the industry, and I am optimistic about the future of women entrepreneurs in India.

The Upward Trend in Women’s Entrepreneurship

The business landscape is positively evolving with a growing number of women stepping into entrepreneurship. Women-owned businesses, which represented 20% of all enterprises a few years ago, are expected to reach 33% by 2030. This trend reflects the rising success of women-led startups, which deliver a 35% higher return on investment compared to those led by men. My investment strategy reflects this belief, with 80% of my portfolio dedicated to women-led startups, including Leap.club, an initiative that promotes collaboration among women and addresses workplace gender disparities.

Opportunities Beyond Metro Cities

Entrepreneurship is expanding beyond top metro cities, with tier two and three cities contributing nearly 50% of recognized startups in India. A study by the Edelgive Foundation forecasts a 90% growth in women-owned businesses over the next five years in India, surpassing growth rates in the US and the UK. Among India’s 63 million MSMEs, around 20% are women-owned, highlighting the potential for women in smaller cities and suburbs. This growth not only helps women enter the entrepreneurial sphere but also boosts female employment.

Challenging the Status Quo

As women entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to uplift and support other women in business and employment. Women are making strides in sectors such as e-commerce, fashion, education, healthcare, and technology. Despite facing cultural biases and barriers, these entrepreneurs are driving innovation and growth. I have personally encountered gender bias and resistance, but overcoming these challenges is crucial for fostering a positive change. In our company, we have achieved gender parity with a workforce of 51% women and implemented policies to ensure equal representation in recruitment.

Looking Forward

Building Honasa Consumer from a modest investment of INR 25 lakh to a valuation of INR 9800 crore has been a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Empowering women goes beyond successful ventures; it involves driving meaningful change and creating an inclusive world for all. For aspiring female entrepreneurs, I advise embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and challenging norms. This approach is how we pave the way for a future where women thrive as leaders and innovators.