The history of International Women’s Day dates back to 1908, when some 15,000 women marched on New York City in the name of better working hours, fairer pay, and the right to vote. Three years later in 1911, the first official IWD was celebrated throughout Europe as more than a million women walked challenging stereotypes for their right and equality.

Women in India have not only stepped into the corporate world but have also begun to make a mark in entrepreneurship. Fast forward even 2020, Women Entrepreneurs comprise 11% of all entrepreneurs in India, which means there are only about 550 women-led companies out of more than 5,000 startups (NASSCOM reports). The number is small and growing slowly, the with all the policy and most importantly mindset change coming up, we will soon see a rise in the same.

March 8 marks International Women’s Day 2020, and we at StartupTalky, also wanted to celebrate the spirit of womanhood with the entrepreneurs who have come out breaking all the barriers to and lead and change the world for the good! let’s learn how these women are changing the entrepreneurial landscape and how!

ST – Why did you choose to be an entrepreneur ? if not entrepreneurship, then what ?

Shradha Vyas – The decision to jump into entrepreneurship from a 9 to 5 job, was lurking for around 2 years until I finally decided to take the plunge in 2017, and there has been no looking back ever since. Working in an Event Management Company, I always felt that I could do so much more, build my own contact base, build my own PR circle, and grow myself as in individual. Ironically, my company name is called Carpediem ( which literally means seize the day!) and the opportunity I did seize to be my own Boss!

Shradha Vyas – Being in an Event industry, there are many difficulties that a woman in general would face. I would have hoped being the boss would change how women are perceived. On a regular basis, I manage the execution of events and exhibitions where in the workers are primarily male dominated. To ensure, they listen to a woman has been a task, but being in the Industry for almost 7+ years, I have acquired the skills to talk and reach out to everyone, and get the job done. On the other hand we have a secret weapon, for a woman it simple to solve complex situations – we just get angry and everyone listens to us!

ST – What challenge did you face as a woman entrepreneur and how did you solve it ?

ST – What policies your company has adopted to support women at your workplace?

Shradha Vyas – When I started my company, the first thing on my mind was always safety – not only for women, but also for new interns who joined our company and stay late beyond midnight during any event setup. Its also become our company policy to maintain a 60:40 ratio of male : female employee ratio. I strongly believe, women workforce is more focused, determined and obedient.

Shradha Vyas – I cannot say much about other women, but being young and no major stress of handling a family, I frankly for the first two years did not feel the pressure. But 2019, was a verytesting year – every 2 months since February starting with my father, mother, brother, and myself in the end – everyone fell sick and admitted to hospital. With my brother working in Delhi, it was all upon me to handle my family, take care of them, and also go to office, manage events. It was Hell, but it has been made me stronger than ever.

ST – How can working women manage both, home and work ?

ST – Do you think there must be at least one female co-founder, why?

Shradha Vyas – While I do not promote feminism, a female co-founder is important, because

  • The approach to problems is different (more realistic more diversity in approach)
  • Generally more calm and understanding of situations
  • Better at multi-tasking
  • Communication skills and sensitivity approach much higher with women usually.

Shradha Vyas – I cannot say that I would be able to answer this well because there isn’t much support me or my business has got directly or indirectly from the government. But India is a country, where women in skill force is increasing by the day, some incentive, loan concessions, benefits, etc.. must be offered to women whilst not making it too unfair for the men’s. I am sure the government must have some schemes for women, but it is not easily accessible information or easily applicable.

ST – As a women entrepreneur, What kind of support have you got from the government? What would you like to suggest?

ST – Why do you think still women’s contribution is too less in the Indian start-up community ?

Shradha Vyas – Women in India, are still evolving in being able to major decisions, and one of the biggest decision is to become an entrepreneur. It is risky, not stable, on many occasions stressful, and juggling between work and home. But the good news is, more and more young women are gathering the courage to become leaders.

Shradha Vyas – I don’t think any one would have the courage to tell todays Indian Women – you cannot do this. This only irks us to do something harder. The advice to all upcoming women entrepreneur – if you believe in your self and in your company – take the plunge. Its going to be rough – but it is all worthen. I was very fortunate to have family and friends who only encouraged me, and supported me all the way!

ST – If someone is stopping women to become an entrepreneur what advice do you have for her?