A Study on the Problems, Role and Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India

Abstract

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a very vital role in Indian economy and women entrepreneurs are inseparable part of the sector. Women entrepreneurship ensures increase in employment, social status and financial independence of women. This paper is an attempt to analyse the factors affecting women entrepreneurship in MSME sector, identify the major problems faced by them, carry out a performance analysis of women entrepreneurship and analyse the promotional policies taken up by the Govt. Push and Pull factors are the two major reasons for women entering into entrepreneurship. The Push factors mean that the women are forced to join business due to financial reasons while the Pull factors refers to women taking up entrepreneurship to become financially independent, to utilize their talent and education and to establish their position in society. Even after representing almost half of the total population, the percentage of women entrepreneurship is significantly low compared to male entrepreneurs. Women participation is comparatively higher in micro enterprises in rural areas whereas it is negligible in small and medium enterprises. Several policy packages are available for women entrepreneurs but many of such schemes are either not known or not suitable for them. The Govt. agencies, Women Associations, Non-Govt. Organisations (NGOs) must play a more meaningful role in promoting women education, confidence building and acceptability of women entrepreneurs to the financing institutes.