Federal Bank COO Shalini Warrier pinpoints reasons why there are very few women entrepreneurs in India

Even when entrepreneurship is receiving wide recognition in India, only 14 percent of women in the country is part of the entrepreneur community. A change in this is not going to happen overnight. In order to lift the women’s participation from a more 14 percent, a lot more needs to be done. Three major hindrances for women in stepping into the business, explains Shalini Warrier, COO, Federal Bank. Shalini Warrier was talking to Channeliam.com founder Nisha Krishnan.

Of the three, the first is the lack of self confidence. Only a few women come forward with their business ideas. For them to take the centre stage, they should be self confident and should be sure about what they are doing. They should not backtrack. These traits can not be developed by training. It needs to be developed by women themselves.

Family Support
The second factor is the family support. Women require support from their parents, spouse, in-laws and children. Education helps to create this awareness. More engineering and management graduates should enter entrepreneurship, Shalini Warrier said.

Institutional Infrastructure
The third factor and the most important one is the institutional infrastructure. A professional atmosphere which motivates women entrepreneurs to work upto their maximum is necessary. She surrounded by people who can support her. Women who come up with good ideas should be encouraged.

An Urgent Need
By building self confidence, creating a supportive family atmosphere and putting up institutional infrastructure, it is possible to bring a sea change in the participation of women in entrepreneurship.