Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the initial years of work

In recent years, the burgeoning startup network has been witnessed in every sector, bringing disruptive investment trends to the industry. While several startups were able to sustain themselves in the competition, others shut shop within a few months of their operation. Amidst all these, women entrepreneurs were seen making big waves in this male-dominated society. Every sector saw talented woman professionals giving a tough fight to their entrant in their respective field.

It’s a known fact that success doesn’t happen overnight. Things take time; it demands hard work and enthusiasm. In the process to start their own work, women entrepreneurs face a number of challenges that can get in the way of their growth. They counter various issues of acceptance not only from the family and society but also in the corporate world where they go through prodigious hurdles. Here are listed few challenges that every woman faces in her career and how they can tackle it: 

1. Family support: Be it a married woman or an unmarried woman, family support is an imperative factor. Women have to balance between household work and business work. Especially in the tier-II and tier-III cities, women are often chained back due to their responsibilities towards their family. This creates a major hindrance towards their success. The way out to this issue is to make your family understand the importance of your dreams. It takes time, but they will certainly understand if you keep trying.
2. Difficulty in raising funds: investment is an integral part of any business. Some investors may hesitate to invest in businesses that are run by women. This may be because of the preconceived notion that women aren’t as competent as men in terms of business and family is a priority for them. Remember this quote: “Action speaks louder than words.” Be confident about your dream and let the world hear what you can do and plan to do. A business always needs funds; try to start with whatever you manage to raise. Let your work do wonders and attract investors who will be willing to invest in your business.
3. Limited mobility: Many women entrepreneurs are unable to travel to different cities or country as they are restricted by their own family members. The situation of the Indian cities, environment, and inability to drive vehicles are some of the main causes. The problem lies in the perception of people. To overcome, make sure your family knows your limit and gain their trust.
4. Lack of practical experience: Women generally don't get the right exposure when compared to men, which leads to no entrepreneurial bent of mind in them. May women lack entrepreneurial aptitude due to lack of practical knowledge. This can be improved by attending different workshops and conferences meant for their business. From my personal experience, every aspiring women entrepreneur should first gain some experience in the field before they venture into it. This will help them get some exposure and give them a better perspective of the situations that they may encounter in their entrepreneurial journey. Also, practical experience is anytime beneficial than the knowledge gained from books.

These are some of the biggest challenges that majority of the women entrepreneurs face in their initial years of starting up. Some bow down against it, others just fight with all these and make way for their careers and become role models for young ladies who have big dreams and want to achieve name and fame in life.

Believe in your dreams and tackle all the hindrance that you face along the way with courage and a big smile. Your success will instantly make your proud moment talked by other. Believe in work and let others say about you.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)