India's women-led MSMEs face gender bias and limited digital literacy, despite resilience and growth. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana and Stand-Up India Scheme aim to empower women-owned MSMEs, but access to technology remains a hurdle. Nasscom Foundation CEO Nidhi Bhasin emphasizes the resilience and growth of women-led MSMEs, despite gender bias and technology barriers, highlighting the importance of gender inclusivity for economic empowerment.
Nidhi highlighted the key aspects of women-owned MSMEs in India. She mentions that India's MSME sector has seen significant growth in the past three years, with women-led businesses experiencing resilience and adaptation to market changes. The percentage of women-owned MSMEs registered on the Udyam Registration portal increased from 15.67 per cent to 19.43 per cent between 2015-2020. Technological advancements and supportive government policies have driven women's participation in the sector. Digital tools and platforms have helped women overcome traditional barriers, fostering a more equitable environment. Digital platforms have also allowed marginalized women to access government schemes and social media, fostering economic and social inclusion.
Nasscom Foundation's Women Entrepreneurship Program and Social Innovation Program focus on empowering women in technology. The Women Entrepreneurship Program has helped over 1,000 rural women use online platforms to promote their products and access government schemes. The SIFY Programme has seen a rise in women-led startups.
