Context:

• In the run-up to the state budget, which is to be presented on February 23, aspiring women entrepreneurs want the chief minister to provide them a level-playing field where they can compete and build organisations.
• Such a level playing field will not only make them self-sustainable, but also help them create opportunities for other women and generate employment.
• Most of them said while the number of women willing to take up entrepreneurship is increasing in recent years, the odds are stacked heavily against them.
• According to Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industry women wing president Neha Gupta, When women deal with the private sector or the government, it is never a straight forward engagement. Because of socio-cultural reasons, men are better at maneuvering than women.
• That’s why we want, there should be women cells wherever possible in government departments, particularly in the single-window system mechanism.
• Such women-dedicated cells will be helpful for the aspiring entrepreners to find information about government schemes and procedures.
• According to a female owner of a gifting startup, investors who are investing in women-led startup should be given incentives. If there is an added benefit for investors to invest in women-led ventures, it might get easier for them to raise funds.
• Also, as a society we need to support our sisters and daughters to invest their time in their personal and business growth.
• Slowly, many women are finding opportunities in skills development domain.
• According to a female entrepreneur engaged in the skilling initiative, skilling is important. There are government schemes for skilling. But it is often found that many fail to take advantage of the schemes.
• Women are better suited for such activities and there should be some policy initiative in the budget to help women engaged in the skilling sector.
• Some feel that when it comes to ability, there is no difference between men and women. According to a female owner of a print business, the government should ensure that the abilities of women do not get smothered and they should get the environment where they can feel encouraged and be productive for the growth of the country.

By: A D Singh