Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is one of the most important parts of the economic development of a country. In recent years, India has seen an entrepreneurship wave among men and women. However, it is not easy to be a woman in business. Like all the other sectors, the business sector is also male dominant, so it becomes difficult to carve one’s way through so many hurdles. If we look at the national data, the number of women entrepreneurs compared to men is much less. But there is a part of India where women equally participate in business in the northeastern region.
The eight states of northeast India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. They are known for their women who take part in economic activities and thus, contribute to society.
Reasons why women are more entrepreneurial in northeast India!
The abundance of locally available resources:
Northeastern India is the abode of various natural and human resources, which gives scope for various businesses such as agro-based industries, handicrafts, organic fruits and vegetables, and even the dairy industry. These resources are easily accessible to all the women in the northeastern region, and through using these locally available resources, many women have built up their industries.
Government schemes and policies:
the government of northeastern states has launched several schemes for women entrepreneurs. The North Eastern Development finance Corporations provide financial aid to women in business who want to expand, modernize or diversify their business. There is a Women Entrepreneurship Development Scheme. Here women belonging to the age group 18 to 50 years can get assistance and benefits.
The flexibility of the job:
Most women entrepreneurs have agreed that one of the reasons they chose to be an entrepreneur is that this job is flexible. Usually, the burden of looking after the household is on a woman’s shoulders only. Thus, leaving the house and children becomes difficult, and working a 9-5 job. However, in comparison to such jobs, the working hours of entrepreneurs are flexible.
Awareness among the women:
If you think that women of the north or south India are not participating in business, then the main reason for that issue would be a lack of awareness. And this is also the reason why women of northeastern India are ahead in this field. Due to government programs and general awareness in public, there is a spirit of entrepreneurship among women.
Economic needs:
This is the most important reason women choose to be entrepreneurs. And this is more of a generic reason for women all across India. The economic needs and pressure on a woman are increasing day by day. And for such reasons, women started small enterprises, which turned out to be very beneficial.
Here’s a list of the most inspiring northeastern women entrepreneurs!
Women Entrepreneurship
Komna Moidam:
Komna Moidam is the owner of M/S Komma Maidan Enterprise, through which she works for the upliftment of women. These women include housewives, students, and even women belonging to weaker sections of society. Komna provides such women opportunities.
Daisy Brahma:
Daisy Brahma is a student of NIFT Delhi, and she had worked with several export houses for several years before becoming an entrepreneur. Then in the year 2017, she started the DB Weaves, where she held three power looms in Kokrajhar place in Assam. She uses the power looms to produce doshas, a traditional Assamese Bodo attire. Most of the sales are made through B2b channels, and she also participates in several exhibitions taking place in Assam. Her main advantage is the quality of her dokhonas that she produces using the most comfortable fabric.
Lourembam Yaiphabi:
She is the founder and owner of Mirror, a beauty store located in the Imphal region in Manipur. She holds an MBA degree and has experience working in several corporate houses. The she started Mirror at the age of 34 and decided to pursue her dream rather than working in a corporate house. She always dreamt of running a business that would benefit women. Currently, her business has emerged as a pioneer in solutions for home grooming.
Maureen Rynatathiang:
Mayfreen rynatathiang started her career as a social development worker fifteen years ago. She is interested in the field of rural farming community. Her interest started after she experienced and then self-witnessed the violations of indigenous rights and human rights. After noticing these violations, she began grassroots in 2007 in the shilling region. With the help of this organization, she has built up several rural entrepreneurs by linking them to these schemes, markets, and entitlements that aid in specific fields.
Maureen was awarded a scholarship in Peru. To strengthen her work with security, food, and indigenous people. She got invited to the united nation’s permanent forum on indigenous issues.
Lalnun Engi:
She is the proprietor of M/S V.L Hilra services and trade. Her business operates in handicrafts, beauty and body service, beauty salons, and food stalls in the Mizoram region. She also owns a spa outlet in the Aizawl region and holds two airport outlets. Lalnun’s business was doing well but faced a setback during covid-19. But she persisted and resumed her business operations, keeping the standard operating procedure in mind. Lalnun is also planning to enter the food processing market, with her avocado paste being her first product.
Conclusion
In the Northeast region of India or any other part, women should not be dependent on someone for their needs. The North-Eastern region of India is where women have always been economically active. It is a step ahead in many fields than the women from the rest parts of India. And we can learn a lot from such women. They are an inspiration for the society. It is not easy in such remote regions to start your entrepreneurial journey. and being a woman adds to the hurdles. But the new India is filled with enthusiastic women.
Nice article
Thank you Vikash