TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Jaipur: It seems more and more women are becoming job creators than job seekers. Rajasthan had 29,500 women-owned MSME units in 2021-22, which increased to 75,900 in 2022-23, MSME ministry data shows. In just four months, from April to July this year, 29,693 more women entrepreneurs have joined the growing list.

Women feel socio-economic conditions, the focus of investors, and the perception of women startup founders are changing, even though there are still some age-old barriers they have to face.

Sheenu Jhawar, president of TiE Rajasthan, herself an entrepreneur, said, "In recent years, the socio-economic situation, access to mentors, and funds have changed the ecosystem in favour of women founders. Internet penetration and social media have also given them the level playing field they sought." Women-led businesses account for about 20.37% of the MSME industry in India, and they employ about 23.3% of the workforce in the sector. Understandably, the majority of the workers are also women. But Jhawar said women-led ventures are still much less than their male counterparts and need special thrust.

Jhawar said that out of eight women-led startups from Rajasthan, Kanika Singroha, founder of Cell Verse, has been selected, and she will represent the state in the TIE's—global pitch competition in Singapore.

Mentorship and fundraising are areas where women entrepreneurs need handholding. Jhawar said. "The barriers to their businesses are getting removed, but still, they need strategic handholding," added Jhawar.