Author(s): T. Devi, B.Padma Narayan, A. Amala
In India, gender disparity persists, with women often regarded as inferior to men, hindering their development across various spheres, particularly in entrepreneurship. Although the concept of women entrepreneurs in India has gained traction since the 1980s, thanks to economic liberalization, the journey towards gender equality in business remains challenging. Despite the rapid changes brought about by liberalization, privatization, globalization, and the IT revolution, women continue to face significant obstacles in establishing and growing businesses. While large corporations are predominantly led by men, women are carving out their niche in the business world through small and medium-sized enterprises, assuming roles as founders and leaders. Women's entrepreneurship not only contributes to a nation's economic growth but also enhances the financial well-being of individuals and communities. Despite governmental initiatives and incentives aimed at fostering women entrepreneurship, the growth rate remains modest. To address this issue, a study was conducted in Tirupati to identify the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. A sample of 180 women entrepreneurs was surveyed using a questionnaire method. The results of the study shed light on the specific difficulties encountered by women entrepreneurs in Tirupati.