Women and leadership are gradually becoming synonymous with each other – be it political scenarios, business leadership, sports, corporate boardrooms or any other professional set-up. Their emotional and mental balance renders the much-needed touch to their work. To add on, they bring vibrant perspectives to their work!
Maneesh Media’s next project solely focuses on the business world. 50 Under 50: Young and Aspiring Indo-Canadians, as the name suggests, highlights the success stories of the 50 great achievers from among the Indo-Canadian diaspora. We all know many successful Indo-Canadian youth who have made significant achievements in various fields. Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, is a popular YouTuber, actress and author. Nav Bhatia, a prominent businessman and the official Superfan of the Toronto Raptors basketball team. He is also known for his charitable work and has established the Nav Bhatia Superfan Foundation to support underprivileged children. Rupi Kaur, a poet, illustrator, and performer who has gained international recognition for her work. Her first book, Milk and Honey, has sold over 3 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 30 languages. Rohinton Mistry, a celebrated author who has won numerous awards for his works, including A Fine Balance and Such a Long Journey. He is known for his poignant portrayals of life in India and the Indian diaspora.
These are just a few examples of women and leadership and many successful Indo-Canadian youths who have made significant contributions to their fields. But there are many who still haven’t come under the limelight, and this book is a special platform for these achievers.
When one says the word ‘entrepreneur’, the first image to pop up is usually of a man. It is because of the image propagated by popular culture and media. And this book will put in its efforts to break out of the image.
To be an entrepreneur, it’s assumed that one needs to be aggressive, assertive and have an appetite for risks – qualities that are usually ascribed to men. Some great women leaders have often advised that they’ll have to adopt this masculinity to make it in the ‘cut-throat’ world of business. But haven’t these attributes been women’s always – just not on display though?!
Heard of Kalpana Saroj, who built up a successful real estate business and came to be known for her contacts and entrepreneurial skills? She was on the board of Kamani Tubes when it went into liquidation in 2001, and after taking over the company, she restructured it and brought it back to profit.
Well, knowing of the Indian subcontinent’s freedom fight, there were women fighting from behind the stage, supporting men and eventually leading from the front! Razia Sultana was the first female Muslim ruler of the subcontinent. She ruled the Delhi Sultanate way back in the year 1232!
Entrepreneurship among Young Women
What does it take for young women entrepreneurs to be successful? Success is a subjective term and can mean different things to different people. However, there are some common traits and practices that can help a woman achieve success, no matter how they define it. Success often starts with a clear and specific goal. Women who define their goals and dedicate themselves to it are more likely to achieve success. Having a growth mindset means embracing challenges and viewing failures as opportunities for learning and growth. Women who have a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through obstacles and achieve their goals.
Successful women are resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks. They don’t let failure or criticism discourage them and are able to keep going even when things get tough. Having a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors can help women navigate challenges and stay motivated on their path to success.
Communication is key to success in any field. Women who are able to articulate their ideas clearly and confidently are more likely to be successful in their careers. Successful women take calculated risks and are willing to step out of their comfort zone. They understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process and are not afraid to take risks in pursuit of their goals. The most successful women never stop learning and growing. They seek out new experiences and opportunities to develop their skills and expand their knowledge.
Remember, success is not a destination but a journey. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures.
Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs face a variety of challenges, including gender bias and stereotypes. Women may face bias and discrimination in the business world, which can make it harder for them to secure funding, find mentors, and build networks. Women entrepreneurs often have more difficulty obtaining funding than their male counterparts. This can be due to factors such as the types of businesses they start, the industries they operate in, and bias from investors.
Women are often responsible for caregiving and household responsibilities, which can make it challenging to balance work and personal life.
Women may have fewer role models and mentors in their industry, which can make it harder to navigate the business world and develop their skills. Women may have smaller networks than men, which can limit their access to resources and opportunities. Women entrepreneurs may face discrimination and harassment in the workplace, which can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact their business. Women may lack confidence in their abilities as entrepreneurs, which can hold them back from taking risks and pursuing opportunities. In some cultures, women are not encouraged to pursue careers or start businesses, which can make it difficult for them to succeed in the business world.
Young women entrepreneurs: In today’s workplace
Women entrepreneurs bring a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the 21st-century workplace. Women entrepreneurs often bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the table, which can help drive innovation and creativity in the workplace. Women are often skilled at building relationships and fostering collaboration, which can help create a more productive and supportive workplace environment.
Women often have strong emotional intelligence skills that can be valuable in building relationships with customers, employees and other stakeholders. Women entrepreneurs are often adept at identifying and solving problems, which can help them navigate the challenges of starting and running a business.
Women entrepreneurs often have to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, which can make them highly adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. Women often have a keen eye for detail, which can be valuable in areas such as product design, marketing, and customer service.
Women entrepreneurs often prioritize social responsibility and sustainability in their business practices, which can help create a positive impact on society and the environment.
Overall, women entrepreneurs bring a valuable set of skills and perspectives to the 21st-century workplace, and their contributions can help drive innovation, collaboration, and success.
Theme 2023: DigitALL (Innovation and technology for gender equality)
International Women’s Day (8 March) is a day for us to join voices with people around the world and shout our message for equal rights loud and clear. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of women, whether social, political, economic or cultural.
Innovation and technology can play a significant role in promoting gender equality by providing women with access to education, healthcare and job opportunities. One of the key barriers to women’s participation in the digital economy is the gender digital divide. This refers to the gap between men and women in access to and use of digital technologies. Governments, civil society organizations and the private sector can work together to promote digital literacy and improve access to digital technologies for women and girls.
Women face unique challenges in starting and growing their own businesses. Innovation and technology can help overcome these barriers by providing women with access to capital, mentorship, and training programs. This can include platforms that connect women entrepreneurs with investors, as well as programs that provide skills training and support for women-led businesses.
AI systems can perpetuate gender bias that can have negative consequences for women in areas such as employment, finance, and healthcare. Efforts to address gender bias in AI can include diverse hiring practices, rigorous testing and evaluation of AI systems for bias, and the development of ethical AI frameworks.
Technology can play a critical role in improving women’s health outcomes. This can include telemedicine platforms that allow women to access healthcare services remotely, mobile apps that provide information and support for reproductive health, and wearable devices that monitor health and wellness.
Overall, innovation and technology can be powerful tools for promoting gender equality. By leveraging these tools to address barriers and promote opportunities for women, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
