ROLE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN 21st CENTURY INDIA: CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERMENT

No country can flourish by neglecting the potential of its women workforce. With economic liberalization and globalization, women entrepreneurs are increasing globally. The concealed entrepreneurial capabilities of women have been gradually coming ahead with the developments in socio political environment in society. Skill, adaptability and knowledge in business are the main drivers for women to undertake new business ventures. There exists a plenty of successful women entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors in India. Their outstanding performance in their respective fields has set an example for various emerging women entrepreneurs. However, they have to encounter a large number of challenges like male domination, family obligations, lack of education, lack of self confidence, finance problem, limited mobility, limited managerial skills, etc. Although, Government of India has taken a large number of policy measures in this regard, yet, there is a long way to go. This paper focuses on the role of women entrepreneurs in 21st century and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India, how to overcome them and to enumerate the policies of Indian government for their empowerment.