United We Share’s Shumita Kakkar; Tummoc’s Monalisha Thakur; Ziyyara Edutech’s Kavita Sharma; Whiskers India’s Neeja Shah Goswami; and ROOT and SOIL’s Priyadarshini Krishnan, share their thoughts on inclusion on the occasion of International Women’s Day. This is what they had to say.
The Month of March brings with it one of the most celebrated events of the year, International Women’s Day! March 8th has not only become a day of celebration all over the world but a reminder for everyone to acknowledge women’s accomplishments and contributions in every sector.
From the first Women’s Day celebration in New York till today, women have made awe-inspiring progress. Despite several obstacles and challenges, women have proven that resilience and pliability are what make womanhood special.
Entrepreneurship has also emerged as a vehicle to showcase women’s prowess when it comes to ideating, executing, and scaling up. Women entrepreneurs in India have especially gained prominence.
Not only have they contributed to the economic progress of the country but they have also made strides in building an inclusive startup ecosystem.
‘Inclusion’ has always been a crucial aspect of creating a level playing field for all. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we pass the mike to young women entrepreneurs from India to tell us their thoughts on inspiring inclusion in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Read on to learn the deep insights and suggestions pouring in from these women entrepreneurs from across the nation.
Shumita Kakkar, Founder & COO, of United We Care (Mental Wellness Platform) on How to Inspire Inclusion in the Indian Startup Ecosystem
“As a woman entrepreneur navigating the dynamic Indian startup scene, I am heartened by its commitment to inclusivity. However, to unlock its full potential, collaboration is paramount. By fostering synergy between government, established businesses, and women-led ventures, we can cultivate a more equitable and prosperous ecosystem.
Governments and businesses can function as powerful catalysts for inclusivity by strategically leveraging their resources. Some of the initiatives the government can take up are-
Implement Targeted Mentorship Programs: Design mentorship programs specifically for women founders, providing guidance, fostering leadership skills, and equipping them to navigate industry complexities.
Establish Diversity-Focused Funding Mechanisms: Allocate resources specifically towards ventures with diverse teams, sending a strong message of support and directly empowering women-led businesses.
Ensure Clear and Objective Investment Criteria: Partner with venture capital firms to establish clear and objective investment criteria, ensuring a level playing field for all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender.
Facilitate Unconscious Bias Training: Encourage venture capital firms to equip their staff with unconscious bias training to mitigate any subconscious prejudices that could disadvantage diverse founders.
Showcase Success Stories of Women-Led Startups: Actively promote the success stories of women-led startups, inspiring future generations and demonstrating the value diverse teams bring to the ecosystem.
Venture capital firms have a substantial role to play in fostering inclusivity. Firstly, by establishing clear and objective investment criteria, they can ensure a level playing field for all entrepreneurs, irrespective of gender. This transparency mitigates potential biases that may unintentionally disadvantage diverse founders. Furthermore, equipping their staff with unconscious bias training helps alleviate any subconscious prejudices that could inadvertently influence investment decisions. Finally, by actively showcasing the success stories of women-led startups, VC firms can not only inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs but also demonstrate the immense value diverse teams bring to the entire ecosystem.
While external support is crucial, the onus doesn't solely lie with external actors. Women entrepreneurs must also champion change. Building teams that embrace diversity fosters a wealth of perspectives and fuels innovation. Cultivating open and inclusive cultures empowers every voice within the organization, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone thrives. Sharing our entrepreneurial journeys, including both the triumphs and the challenges, serves as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of women entrepreneurs. By embracing this collaborative approach, India's startup ecosystem can transform into a vibrant and inclusive space where women not only flourish but also shape the future of innovation in the country.”
Shumita’s message for women-folk across India on International Women’s Day:
“For all the women in their various awesome avatars like teachers, daughters, peers, mothers, sisters, and leaders, here is my special message - This year, let's celebrate our strength by prioritizing our mental well-being. You are the backbone of families, communities, and the nation. But you can't pour from an empty cup. Remember, taking care of your mental health isn't selfish, it's essential. Find moments of peace, seek support, and celebrate your victories – big and small. Together, let's break stigmas and build a future where empowered women prioritize their mental well-being. You are worthy, you are strong, and you deserve to thrive..the only thing you should know it is that you are the focal point of well-being and high time you should know it more than anyone else.”
