Women Empowerment Through Entrepreneurial Activities in India: Present Status, Challenges and Prospects

Women empowerment is very vital for the overall progress of the country. Among various factors, economic independence has a unique catalysing role in empowering women in Indian society. Therefore, Promotion of women entrepreneurship might prove as an effective tool to empower women in the country. However, the data shows that the condition of women in India is not conducive to mark their massive presence in the section of entrepreneurship. Women account for roughly half of India’s population, though their share of labour force is just 25 percent, and contribution to GDP is 18 percent - one of lowest in the world. The footprints of women in the area of entrepreneurship are very limited in this 21st Century society. How to understand this present scenario of women entrepreneurship in India and how should it be envisioned to boost women empowerment? What are the impediments and scopes of women participation in entrepreneurial activities in India? This paper intents to reflect on these questions.