Stories, profiles, and news about India's women founders and women-led startups.
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Every founder has a day she doesn't like to talk about. Today is the sixth day of Navratri, and it belongs to Goddess Katyayani, the warrior form of Maa Durga. Born in the home of the sage Katyayan, she is the goddess who rode out on a lion
👩💼 Women Entrepreneurs
Today is the fifth day of Navratri, and it belongs to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Skanda, also known as Kartikeya. She is shown riding a lion with her young son sitting on her lap. She is a warrior, but here she is also a mother, protecting and guiding the
👩💼 Women Entrepreneurs
Today is the fourth day of Navratri, and it belongs to Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. Her name tells her story: Ku means a little, Ushma means warmth, and Anda means the cosmic egg. It is said that when there was only darkness, she smiled, and the universe
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Courage is not the absence of fear. It's staying calm enough to act anyway. Today is the third day of Navratri, and it belongs to Goddess Chandraghanta. Her name comes from the half-moon, shaped like a bell (ghanta), that she wears on her forehead. She rides a
👩💼 Women Entrepreneurs
On Day 2 of Navratri, four women founders share the one rule they never break, and the shortcut they chose not to take.
👩💼 Women Entrepreneurs
On Day 1 of Navratri, four women founders share the moment they knew it was time to start, the first wall they hit, and what they gave up to take the first step.
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Ghazal Alagh is the co-founder of Mamaearth and a prominent Indian entrepreneur. Explore her biography, education, career, investments, Shark Tank journey and latest 2026 updates.
Former PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi has set off a nationwide debate after saying that America's meritocratic system was the only reason she could rise to lead one of the world's largest companies, adding that it could not have happened in any other country, including
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Neha Choudhry explains how Vikalp India is transforming STEM education for girls through hands-on kits, teacher training, and accessible learning—turning curiosity into confidence.
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Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, is the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank. Discover her journey, achievements, and leadership impact on global banking.
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Pramila Srinivasan is a healthcare entrepreneur and founder of MedicalMine and The Brain Foundation. Explore her career, personal life, and high-profile legal battle.
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In this conversation, Rakhi Pal explains how EventBeep is transforming career discovery by making mentorship, networking, and job opportunities more accessible for women, empowering them to grow beyond traditional limitations.
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In this StartupTalky International Women’s Day 2026 feature, Ranjita Raman, CEO of Jaro Education, discusses democratizing access to higher education, building a sustainable ed-tech business, and how women leaders are shaping the future of learning in India.
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Neetu Sharma and Ranu Sharma, founders of Vastra Potli, are blending Rajasthan’s textile heritage with modern design while empowering women artisans. This StartupTalky International Women’s Day 2026 feature highlights their journey of building a purpose-driven, women-led brand.
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Through initiatives like Pedals of Hope and Project Drishti, Chitralekha Patil is enabling education access and empowering women in rural India, proving how simple interventions can drive lasting change.
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Aastha Mahawar, Chief Operating Officer of Skill Bud, discusses building a skills-driven tech company, staying ahead in AI and emerging technologies, and fostering inclusive innovation as part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series.
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In this StartupTalky International Women’s Day 2026 feature, Kiran Meena talks about building TheParentZ, scaling to 20 million parents, and empowering modern families through technology, community, and empathy-driven innovation.
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As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series, Devashree Nampurkar discusses breaking barriers in defence manufacturing, driving engineering innovation, and contributing to India’s self-reliance through deep-tech solutions.
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As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series, Vidushi Jain and Saloni Shah reveal how Attrangi is transforming jewellery into a form of everyday self-expression while empowering women through design, community, and purpose.
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In this International Women’s Day 2026 special, Pee Safe Co-founder Srijana Bagaria shares how the brand is challenging stigma, empowering women, and building a future where hygiene conversations are open, accessible, and stigma-free.
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What began as a mother’s careful choices for her child’s skin has evolved into Clariteens; a brand rooted in trust, safety, and real experience. Prerna Singla is redefining kids’ skincare by blending science with instinct.
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As loneliness rises in an always-connected world, Shradha Chaturvedi is reimagining care through GetCompanion. By blending structure with empathy, she is creating meaningful human connections where technology alone falls short.
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Veena Dhandhia explores the power of inner leadership in shaping women’s careers. From overcoming self-doubt to building confidence and resilience, she shares how self-mastery and mindset shifts can unlock true leadership and long-term professional growth.
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In this interview, Nikita Kumawat talks about building Brandworks Technologies from scratch, scaling to 40+ brands, and creating a 70% women-led workforce. She shares insights on design-led manufacturing, supply chains, and India’s growing electronics ecosystem.
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Senco Gold is blending AI, personalization, and heritage design to transform jewelry experiences. Joita Sen shares insights on innovation, women-led design, and the future of jewelry retail.
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From mentorship to leadership, Priyanka Agrawal reveals how AppSquadz is empowering women in tech and creating opportunities in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
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As India’s packaging industry scales rapidly, DCGpac is leading the shift with sustainable solutions and inclusive growth. Co-founder Seema Bansal shares how women-led innovation, strong supply chains, and design thinking are redefining B2B packaging.
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As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day series, Sonal Gupta talks about building SQIN Botanicals, a botanical skincare brand that blends traditional ingredients with modern science to create clean, effective products for everyday glow.
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In StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day series, Nidhi Sabbarwal explains how Kalyanamm transforms temple floral waste into sustainable products while creating livelihood opportunities for women and contributing to India’s growing circular economy.
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The Indian honey market is growing steadily as consumers increasingly prefer natural, organic, and health-focused products. The market was valued at around $449.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach over $626 million by 2033, driven by rising awareness of wellness, sustainable farming, and beekeeping. At the
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BeyondBound, founded by Tejasvi Madan, is redefining women’s activewear in India by combining comfort, style, and empowerment. On International Women’s Day, she shares how the brand supports confidence, inclusivity, and a healthy lifestyle for modern Indian women.
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Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia, co-founder of TOABH, shares how she built one of India’s leading talent management agencies, nurtured emerging talent, and is creating new opportunities for women in the evolving entertainment and influencer ecosystem.
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Sukriti Mendiratta, founder of Panda’s Box, shares how the brand is creating screen-free, culturally rooted learning experiences for young children through mantra toys, books, and storytelling products while addressing modern parenting concerns around screen time and early development.
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In this Women’s Day 2026 interview, Dr. Sujata Seshadrinathan, Co-Founder of Basiz Fund Services, shares insights on deep-tech innovation in finance, the real-world impact of blockchain, building proprietary technology in regulated sectors, and creating stronger pathways for women in tech.
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In this interview, Chaitra Vedullapalli explains how Women in Cloud is unlocking $1 billion in opportunities while empowering women to lead in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity through global partnerships, certifications, and initiatives like WICxSaksham.
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Kashika Malhotra is the founder and CEO of Yoginii, a platform created to simplify how women discover trusted health and wellness solutions. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind building a curated wellness marketplace, the importance of women-led innovation in the wellness industry, and how Yoginii aims to
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NUOS Home Automation is an Indian deep-tech company working in home automation and wireless building management systems. In this interview with StartupTalky, co-founder Geetica Srivastava shares how she built credibility in a male-dominated infrastructure sector, scaled NUOS to handle metro-scale projects, and developed Made-in-India
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Rhea Poddar Loyalka, founder of Deshya, is part of a new generation of women entrepreneurs redefining India’s luxury jewellery space by blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design. Drawing from her family’s gemstone carving legacy and her global education in gemology, she created Deshya to transform intricate gemstone artistry
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As India’s retail landscape evolves, women are not only the primary consumers but also powerful cultural and economic influencers shaping purchasing decisions across households. Yet leadership representation in retail strategy and brand-building remains limited. In this conversation with StartupTalky, Subarna Mukherjee, Founder of Shop Culture, discusses how women-
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Kalashree Anand’s journey is a powerful story of redefining success on her own terms. After nearly a decade in the corporate world, motherhood became the turning point that led her to step away from a thriving career and pursue her deeper calling in coaching and healing. In this conversation
Ekatra Retail Ventures, co-founded by Pavitra Gandhi, Sunny Sakaria, Sussanne Khan, Vasuki Punj, and Chirayu Yardi, proudly announces its debut in the world of lab-grown diamond jewellery with Shristi Ratna, a diamond crafted with 108 facets, symbolizing a cosmic journey. Spearheaded by a strong female vision, the launch
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Bollywood’s leading ladies are proving they are more than just entertainers. In 2026, many are transforming stardom into business empires, swapping the silver screen for the boardroom. These women are not merely endorsing products; they are creating brands, disrupting industries, and inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs. Their
Actor and wellness advocate Samantha Ruth Prabhu has launched Mile Collective, a contemporary activewear and lifestyle brand, alongside co-founders Harshita Motaparthi and Pravishta Nadella. The label focuses on comfort-first clothing designed for everyday wear, extending beyond traditional workout apparel. Built on the idea that clothing should feel good
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StartupTalky presents Recap'25, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2025 and discuss their vision for the future. In this edition of Recap’25, StartupTalky speaks with Susmita Chakravarty, Founder of Eastern Staple, who reflects on
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StartupTalky presents Recap'25, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2025 and discuss their vision for the future. In this edition of Recap’25, StartupTalky speaks with Kamal Gulati, Founder of GK Studio, a women-focused
According to The Economic Times, Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) employed about 30,000 people at its new iPhone assembly facility in Bengaluru in just eight to nine months, making it one of the fastest factory ramp-ups ever witnessed in India. The Devanahalli facility, which employs
With over 10 lakh happy customers and delivery across 15,000+ pincodes in India as well as 20+ countries, 9shines Label has grown into one of the nation’s most trusted comfortwear brands. Known for turning everyday nighties into stylish, feel-good essentials, the brand blends breathable fabrics, trend-led
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This article has been contributed by Ms. Upasana Sharma, Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR If you spent enough time around founder events in 2025, especially the casual ones in coworking spaces where people talked more freely, you would have sensed something shifting. It wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t
Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu sparked a debate after advising young entrepreneurs to marry and have children in their 20s. Namita Thapar reacted strongly, urging business leaders to focus on real issues like women’s health, workforce participation, and the challenges women face in the startup ecosystem.
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This article has been contributed by Neha Juneja, Co - Founder, IndiaP2P & EquiRize Women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are central to livelihoods and local economies across India. Yet while policy attention has intensified, many women entrepreneurs still operate at the smallest end of the enterprise spectrum, the
Fery Rides, India’s first women-led mobility platform designed for women, has raised INR 2.075 crore in a seed funding round led by IAN Angel Fund, part of IAN Group. The round saw participation from Hari Balasubramanian, Uday Chatterjee, and Sri Prakash. The investment will support the company
10 years of rejection transformed Ragini Das's life story; 6 years at Zomato, she founded her own company, and helped women...
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On the ninth day of Navaratri, we celebrate Siddhidatri, the final form of the goddess Mahadevi. Her name holds the magic of her powers: “Siddhi” means extraordinary abilities, and “Dhatri” means one who gives. She is believed to grant all divine aspirations and make dreams come true. Inspired by Siddhidatri’
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In our eighth story, we're talking about Mahagauri, who's an important figure in Hinduism. She's known for her special ability to make her followers' wishes come true, and she represents calmness and happiness. Just like Mahagauri's peaceful nature, we've
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In our seventh story, we're talking about Kaalratri, a powerful form of the mother goddess. She's known for her strength in chasing away demons, evil spirits, and bad vibes. We've had the privilege of interacting with some amazing women entrepreneurs, who, like Kaalratri, have
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This article has been contributed by Dr Malini Saba, founder of the Saba Group and Saba Family Foundation Navratri isn’t just a festival we wait for because of the music, lights, colours and devotion; it’s messy, alive and joyful in its unpredictability, and it carries something deeper. Those
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Tanya Mittal, currently starring on Bigg Boss 19, and is stealing the limelight, making headlines. While her remarks on the show range from luxurious lifestyle claims to quirky personal narratives, she has kept social media buzzing. There’s another side to her story that deserves attention. Tanya is an entrepreneur,
* Survey conducted on 11,300 women in tech on Apna's platform; 86% of GenZ respondents and 74% from Tier-2/3 cities see AI as the great equaliser in tech careers. * 64% of women in tech said AI expertise matters more than a degree from a top college.
Mark Zuckerberg is said to be after a startup company that hasn’t launched a product yet. Know why…
In a landmark move in its 92-year history, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) has appointed Priya Nair as its next managing director. On July 31, 2025, Rohit Jawa will step down, and she will succeed him. The appointment of Nair will take effect on August 1, 2025. This action makes
New Delhi [India], June 18: Every morning, for Shruti Mishra, begins with a quiet ritual, a review of the day’s agenda and a strong cup of coffee. It’s a routine that bridges two very different but equally demanding worlds. On one side, she is the founder and driving
Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Mamaearth, has never shied away from sharing her entrepreneurial journey, one that’s deeply intertwined with her identity as a mother and a woman in leadership. Through her honest LinkedIn posts, Ghazal has been sharing lessons from her personal journey, showcasing
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In the dynamic global technology world, few leaders have made as profound an impact as Aarthi Subramanian, who recently became Indian IT’s first woman Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). In an industry still grappling with gender disparity at the top, Aarthi has broken barriers, not
68% of Mudra loan accounts are held by female entrepreneurs. On July 23, 2024, the Finance Minister announced an increase in the loan ceiling to INR 20 lakh as part of the Union Budget 2024-25.
Phoebe revealed that at first, her parents, Bill and Melinda French Gates, were concerned about her desire to pursue entrepreneurship.
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This article has been contributed by Akshi Khandelwal, Founder & CEO, Butterfly Ayurveda. Indian households have practiced Ayurveda for many years. What began as conventional treatment methods and home cures has now grown into a flourishing industry. We can observe its impact on everything from food and drink to skincare
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This article has been contributed by Chaitra Vedullapalli, Co-Founder & President, Women In Cloud. I want to take you into the future. A world where artificial intelligence governs every part of our lives. Medicine. Finance. Education. Security. Even governance itself. AI has become the architect of the modern world.
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This article has been contributed by Preeti Bhandhary, Co-founder and director, Little Elly. India, in the recent few years, has experienced a tremendous revolution in the field of early childhood education (ECE) under the guidance of women who have made the transition from traditional teachers to trendsetting entrepreneurs. This
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This article has been contributed by Monalisha Thakur, Co-founder & CMO, Tummoc. The mobility industry is evolving quickly due to new technologies and the growing demand for sustainable forms of transport. While certain startups are leading this, the female entrepreneurs within those startups face huge challenges in accessing funds.
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This article has been contributed by Jasna Bedi, CMO, BCD Group. The Indian construction sector, one of the largest employers after the agricultural sector, was once regarded as a male-dominated field. It still is, but women are beginning to break barriers. Over 40 million people work in the construction
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This article has been contributed by Darshna Solanki, Co-Founder, Recooty. Quality of hire will be a challenge for us. That was my first thought when I started hiring for my business in 2018. However, today, when I am actively hiring for my growing business, I realize it's
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This article has been contributed by Purba Mazumdar, Founder & CEO, JoGenii. Running a business is like raising a child—both require patience, resilience, and a whole lot of multitasking. As a mom of two and an entrepreneur building my startup for the last five years after a 15-year
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This article has been contributed by Ms. Waseka Syeda, Brand Manager, RedoQ. As March 8th, globally celebrated as Women’s Day, approaches, it is important to recognise the role women play in shaping consumer trends. Globally, they make up a significant portion of the consumer base, yet their needs are
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This article has been contributed by Apoorva Deep, Co-Founder, itch. "I used to think leadership meant having all the answers. Until I realized that asking the right questions is where real leadership begins." The Unseen Strength: Why Women Lead Differently When I stepped into my first leadership
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Shark Tank India has evolved into a platform where entrepreneurs present their unique ideas to a panel of experienced investors in the hopes of securing funds to make their dreams come true. The number of female-led firms making headlines on the show has increased noticeably in the seasons. Historically,
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Priyanka Gill is a powerhouse in the world of entrepreneurship and investing, with a keen focus on supporting female founders. As co-founder of the Good Glamm Group, she’s made waves in the direct-to-consumer space, but her influence doesn’t stop there. Priyanka has also backed startups
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StartupTalky presents Recap'24, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2024 and discuss their vision for the future. India’s women’s health and wellness market is expected to reach $1.325 billion by 2030, growing
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StartupTalky presents Recap'24, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2024 and discuss their vision for the future. The Indian fashion market in India is expected to grow by 10.65% from 2024 to 2029, reaching
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on 25 December that over 73,000 Indian enterprises had at least one female director, as certified under the Startup India initiative. In a statement, the ministry emphasised that this amounts to almost half of the 157,066 businesses that the government has
United Arab Emirates, October 1, 2024: In just over a year, Anantya.ai has become a market leader in AI-powered communication solutions, amassing an impressive client base of 200 companies across 10 countries. This women-led startup, headed by the visionary Yashika Kothari, is using cutting-edge AI and
Telangana has made significant progress in the direction of encouraging female entrepreneurs through the implementation of its MSME policy, which was recently unveiled. According to the most recent figures, the state has 58,644 women entrepreneurs who have registered their businesses on the Udyam portal of the Centre. In Telangana,
NeoGrowth, an online lender in India that specializes in MSMEs, has gone a long way toward empowering female business owners. More than INR 650 crore in loans were distributed to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) managed by women in the fiscal year 2024. The result shows a significant
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This article has been contributed by Ms. Somdutta Singh, First-Generation Serial Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO Assiduus, Angel Investor and Philanthropist. Michelle Obama once said, "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." Women entrepreneurs are not mere participants in the business world; they are
Since its launch on July 1, 2020, the Udyam Registration Portal (URP) of the Ministry of MSME has recorded that MSMEs owned by women make up 20.5% of all MSMEs registered on the Portal. The employment created by the total Udyam registered units is 18.73%, with 11.15%
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 12: A study found that 34% of Indian women leave jobs in India due to work-life balance. These women face an uphill battle every day. They juggle demanding careers with family responsibilities, all while navigating a system that often undervalues their contributions. It'
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Being a mom is a full-time job. In today's busy world, moms take on another role as entrepreneurs, balancing motherhood duties with building businesses. However, juggling between these two roles does not come without challenges. But as we rightly believe, moms are supermoms and they can do
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You know, Mother's Day is not just about giving flowers or cards to our mothers. It's a chance for us to really thank our amazing moms who are always there for us, no matter what. We all know that one day is nowhere enough to show
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This article has been contributed by Ritu Bain, Senior VP Revenue, VideoVerse. The term "boss lady" carries connotations that, to me, diminish the credibility of women in leadership positions. It implies a gender-specific label that, if flipped, would never be applied to men. Would we ever refer
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This article has been contributed by Ms Prachi Kaushik, Founder & Director of VYOMINI Social Enterprise. One significant driver of economic growth that has been acknowledged is women's entrepreneurship. They not only give society new jobs for themselves and others, but they also offer alternative approaches to organization
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The importance of a woman in this ecosystem and in our lives is a no-brainer. Everyone knows and acknowledges it. However, the true achievement lies in how we've managed to witness the social growth of women from donning several roles - a wife, a mother, a daughter, an
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This article has been contributed by Ms. Shaily Mehrotra, Co-founder, Fixderma. In today's skincare market, where new products seem to come out every day, women entrepreneurs face both opportunities and challenges. Creating skincare products and building a brand that stands out while ensuring compliance with regulations can
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This article has been contributed by Meghna Krishna, Group Chief Revenue Officer, VideoVerse. As someone who has never favoured the traditional division between genders, I recognize the challenges of navigating a predominantly male-driven professional environment. Through observation, I've noted how inherent differences between men and women often
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“The dawn of globalization has opened up great avenues for business models and they are no longer perceived as male or female-dominated. Today, the emphasis is given to what an individual has to offer and how his/her ideas contribute to the bigger picture without any focus on gender.
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We have lived in times where men had the sole decision-making powers, be it regarding the choice of furniture in their house or whether the wife should opt for working a job of her choice. Women have been designated indefinitely to roles such as mothers, wives, and generally someone
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It is the perfect time to highlight the incredible progress women entrepreneurs are making in the business world, as we mark the celebrations of International Women's Day. Through innovation and original thinking, women are pouring meaning into their business models with unique approaches, contributing to a positive societal
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They say, " The magnitude of a startup is directly proportional to the vision of its founders." Rightly so, starting up is all about getting things right with your vision. And that's where the right mix of determination, skills and perseverance comes into play. Where male founders
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"It's not worth it." "It is not for women." "This is a male dominant sector. Women won't survive." Well, if you've heard either of these and still managed to survive and made it through, welcome to the 1%
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For a long time now, Bollywood and the storybooks have been raking mullahs through selling the idea of a fairy-tale. Something that's so deeply rooted and then marketed in and around women that many has started believing that a fairytale is an ultimate destination for a woman
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With International Women’s Day fast approaching, it's a great time to pause and consider the ever-changing role of women in business. Female entrepreneurs are doing more than leaving a mark; they're also defining the face of entrepreneurship that lies ahead. In tune with this,
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The article has been contributed by Nehal Mota, Co-Founder & CEO, Finnovate. Talk of exemplary women entrepreneurs in India, and the names that come to mind are Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Falguni Nayyar, and a few others. Today, the landscape for women entrepreneurs has vastly changed. Several young women entrepreneurs