Contribution of Women Empowerment towards SME’s Development in India

This research explores the contribution of women empowerment towards SME’s development in India. It aims to understand the role of women in small-scale industries, analyze the favorability of the SME industry environment to women, identify challenges faced by women, and examine best practices for female-owned SME's. The research focuses on the importance of women entrepreneurs in the growth and development of India.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT TOWARDS
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE’S
DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: THE
CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN IN
DEVELOPMENT OF INDIA'S ECONOMY
WITHIN SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE
INDUSTRIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Research Title..............................................................................................................................1
Research Aim...............................................................................................................................1
Research Objectives.....................................................................................................................1
Research Questions......................................................................................................................1
Research Background..................................................................................................................1
Rationale of the Research............................................................................................................2
Significance of the Research........................................................................................................2
Scope of the Research..................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW ...............................................................................................................4
Understanding about women empowerment ..............................................................................4
Need and significance of women empowerment ........................................................................5
Role of small-scale industries in women empowerment in India ...............................................7
SMEs industry environment in India in context of women ........................................................8
Best practices for female owned SME's in India ......................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Research Title
Title of this research project is: Contribution of women empowerment towards SME’s
development in India.
Research Aim
Main aim of this research is “To explore the contribution of women empowerment
towards SME’s development in India.
Research Objectives
Research objective is main part of a research paper because entire activities of research is
depending on them. This research is split into two variables which is dependent and independent
(Bos and Millone, 2015). According to the topic, SEMs development in India is dependent
variable which is depend on contribution of women entrepreneur. There are some essential and
useful objectives related with the research aim are determined as under:
 To extend understanding about Women empowerment.
 To explore Role of women in Small-Scale Industries in Andhra Pradesh
 To analyse the favourability of SME industry environment to Women.
 To identify the challenges faced by women and examine best practices for female owned
SME's
Research Questions
Research question is also considered important and useful part for research which is
mainly based on research objectives. There are some research questions which are determined as
under:
 What are the basic phenomena about Women empowerment?
 Does the SME environment favour women?
 Are there challenges limiting women in contributing to SME?
 What the knowledge about the best practices for female owned SME’s?
Research Background
SME or Small Medium Enterprises plays a vital role in economic development of a
country (Calman, 2019). Their role in terms of production, generation and contribution of
employment not only helps in improving the economic condition of a country but also helps in
reducing unemployment within a country. For Indian economy also SME are equally important.
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It has been observed that nowadays contribution of women are also increasing i.e. today a greater
number of women’s are starting to work or start their own business. In each and every sector a
greater number of women are engaging themselves in performing different kinds of jobs at
different levels. From top to bottom i.e. at each level women are participating in equal number as
compared to men. Other than working as an employee, women are also giving a tough
competition to male entrepreneurs. Even in India number of women entrepreneurs are increasing.
If only SME’s are focused them it can be said that SME has a greater number of Women
entrepreneurs as compared to make entrepreneurs (Ramadani, Gerguri-Rashiti and Fayolle,
2015) . Contribution of Women entrepreneurs is playing a vital role in development of countries
like India. But there is another side of this fact which focuses on all kinds of issues or problems
that are faced by Women in starting their own business-like financial problems, human resource
problem etc. All of these issues are impacting growth of women entrepreneurs due to which
participation of women entrepreneurs in SME is decreasing continuously. It is very crucial for
both the developed and developing countries whether they are small as well as medium they
always represent the economic development model that la emphasis on the high contribution
regarding domestic production,employment generation , effective contribution regarding the
foreign exchanges earning to the country regrading low import operations called imperative
operations (Garikipati and et.al., 2017). SMEs sector also emerged as a vibrant as well as
dynamic sector regarding economy. The Indian economy is more expected to grow 9 percent per
annum until 2020 and also becomes the largest within the world. It can be ahead to the United
states by 2051 as well as third largest after the United States and China by 2032. In order to
understand the influence the SMEs within Indian economy is that they must study the trend as
well as pattern tat can be prevalent within the prevalent year. These Medium and Small
enterprises consider as the backbone in general and secondary sector of an economy. For
developing countries such as India ,they are known as panacea regarding various economic woes
such poverty,inequalities,poverty ,regional barriers.
These MSMEs played a great role as well as assuring the socialist goals such as women
empowerment balance regional development and also envisaged through planners immediately
after the independence. It found to be more efficient to provide the women employment
opportunities relatively at lower cost (Ramadani, Gerguri-Rashiti and Fayolle, 2015). The
women working here are relatively. Indian economy is growing rapidly at high pace. It is
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because of rise in number of SME’s that are highly contributing in GDP of nation. In present
times, a large number of SME’s has emerged in India. They belong to different sectors and are
operating successfully (Garikipati and et.al., 2017). Moreover, women are also engaged in
managing business. They are working at high position like managers, CEO, etc. Moreover,
government has taken various initiatives as well to empower women in managing SME’s. it has
enabled in educating women and motivating them to work in SME’s. through SME’s women are
able to gain skills and knowledge. They are now able to manage business effectively and become
independent. SMEs as better pathway for women empowerment is that these industries requires
small amount of investment. Thus women with good business skills can also make investment
can generate profitability making them financially self regulating (Ramadani, Gerguri-Rashiti
and Fayolle, 2015) . The small scale industries are also crucial as it can improve growth as well
increase productivity.
Rationale of the Research
Rationale of the Research
Present research is based upon importance of women entrepreneur in growth and
development of India (Calvi, Lewbel and Tommasi, 2017). The main reason behind choosing
this as a research topic is that today number of women entrepreneurs are increasing in business
world with is playing a vital role in development of countries like India. This research is
important to understand the way in which role of women can be increased in development of a
country and what role does SME plays in increasing women empowerment (Qureshi, Khan and
Uprit, 2016). In order to increase women empowerment in business world small and medium
enterprise plays a vital role. This is the main reason because of which this topic has been chosen
as this research will help the research in identify the role of women entrepreneurs in small
medium enterprise in development of a country like India (Afshar, 2016). Other than this there
is another reason because of which this topic has been chosen is academic interest of researcher
so that the research can improve their research skills in a better and appropriate manner.
Women play a vital role in the running and functionality of the nation by making their
contribution in various fields such as politics where they contribute their efforts at times being
President, Prime Minister of India, Leader of Opposition and Speaker of Lok Sabha. States in
India such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal pradesh, Uttrakhand, Andra Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerla, Orissa, Maharashtra, Tripura and Rajasthan
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have initiated implementation of 50% reservation of women in PRIs. Panchayats hold eneromous
number of members. Kodaserry Panchayat in Kerala have 100% elected it's members as women's
as currently there are 2 chief ministers of India are female along with 12 out of 29 states and
union territory of Delhi have at least one female Chief Minister.
Recruitment of women for non medical post for Indian Army Forces began positioning in
1992. From 2013 Border Security Forces (BSF) began recruitment of women where in year 2017
Tanushree Pareek is the first female combat officer commissioned by BSF game women the
freedom to serve for the nation and express their patriotism in efficient and effective ways.
Where government embedded several law's for their protection and safety such as
Guardians & Wards Act, 1890, Indian Panel Code, 1860, Christian Marriage Act, 1872, Indian
Evidence Act, 1872, Married Women's Property Act, 1874, Workmen's compensation Act, 1923,
Indian Succession Act, 1925, Immoral Traffic Act, 1956, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961,
Commission of Sati Act, 1987, Cinematography Act, 1952, Births, Deaths & Marriage
Registration Act, 1886, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Prevention of children from sexual offences
Act, 2012, Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, Muslim Personal Law Application, 1937,
Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, Special marriage Act, 1954, Hindu marriage Act,
1955, Hindu Succession Act, 1956, Foreign marriage Act, 1969, Family Courts Acts, 1954,
maternity Benefit Act, 1961, Hindu Adoption & Maintenance Act, 1956, Code of Criminal
Procedure Act, 1973, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, National Commission for
Women Act, 1990, Pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic techniques, protection of women
from domestic violence act, 2005, sexual harassment of women at workplace act, 2013, Indian
divorce Act, 1969, Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, Hindu Widows Remarriage Act, 1856 and
Muslim women act, 1986.
India in today's time is facing low life expectancy of their women compared to that of
other countries in the world which is gradually improving but is a major concern for the nations.
Women and girls of rural culture are facing nutritional deficiencies and are mostly malnourished
where poor nutrition practices during pregnancy led to complications during birth where 42% of
the delivery process happen under supervision of expert whereas other 58% occur with the
support of elder women in the house along with many other un professional members of the
family who lack knowledge about pregnancy.
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Indian Air Force also recruits women for combat and support roles. During Kargil war
Gunjan Saxena was the first supporting sorties whereas Deepika Mishra in 2006 was first IAF
woman pilot received training for Sarang display team. Whereas Nivedita Chodhary 2012 was
first women from Indian Air Force to summit Mount Everest. Whereas further the year 2015
added women as fighter pilots, adding their roles of helicopter pilots for Indian Air Force. The
year 2015 added 1500 women that include 94 pilots along with 14 navigators where wing
commander Shaliza Dhami was the first female officer having permanent commission with
Indian Air Force where Minty Agarwal squadron leader was the first women receiving Yudh
Seva Medal. Further Dr. Punita Arora in 1968 became second Indian women promotes as three
star ranker after Lt. General Punita Arora. Dr. Seema Rao Indian Wonder Women first Indian
woman commander trainer who have trained 15000 special forces in India served for 20 years
consequently without compensation as close quarter battle. Further women are serving in central
reserve police force, central industrial security force, border security force, sashastra seema bal,
Indo Tibetian border force. Further they are also accountable to serve in national security guard,
special protection group, railway protection force, national disaster response force. Women in
Indian Cost Guard, Assam Rifles and Special Frontier Force where Indian Coast Guard on
January 2017 deployed four female officers for combat roles namely commandants Anuradha
Shukla, Sneha Kathyat, Shirin Chandran and Vasunshara Chouskey in Indian maritime bordering
Bangladessh and Pakistan.
Significance of the Research
Significance plays a vital role in a research as it helps in explaining which the particular
research is important to be done. It also helps in understanding who will be the users of the
research who can benefit for this particular research (Garikipati and et.al., 2017). This research
contributes in understanding role of women empowerment in SME’s in development of a
country like India. This research also benefits the researcher in understanding contribution of
Women in development of a country, issues or barriers that are faced by women entrepreneurs,
Role of Small-Scale Industries in Women empowerment in India, SMEs industry environment in
India in respect of Women, best practices for female owned SME’s in India (Ramadani, Gerguri-
Rashiti and Fayolle, 2015) . This research study will help all the women entrepreneurs to
understand the way in which SME’s can help in empowerment of women in development of a
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country like India. With the help of this research study women entrepreneurs can understand the
way in which they can overcome their issues or problem that are faced by them.
This research has evaluated the ways in which the women has come up with the growth
and development of themselves which has aimed for the development of small enterprise. The
roles and functions has developed the quality and increased the status of the women. This has
developed the level of equality among the development of women workers which has increased
the significant value of the women workers which has aimed for the development of female
workers. As there is a growth of women in gender equality this has increased a significant value
of the workers (Qureshi, Khan and Uprit, 2016). This research has showed the how women
workers has developed in India, many of the women workers are the owners of many small-scale
business. Many of the women workers has grown as an entrepreneur. Which has brought equality
among the workers and provided am equal status to the women.In Indian economy it is necessary
to find out role of women as entrepreneur and in SME’s. This is because in recent times, women
are highly involved in starting their own business and contributing in other SME’s. Women are
competing with men in making a business successful. They are offering new ideas and strategies.
Furthermore, women participation in business has increased. They are working as managers in
various SME’s. Thus, it has transformed the growth of SME’s. Therefore, it has resulted in
empowering women and there is high rise in their participation in business. Furthermore, study
emphasis on why there is rise in women in SME and its growth. India is nation where there is
gender inequality. Also, most of SME are managed by men. This study will throw light on how
women are playing vital role as entrepreneur. Also, it will reflect how in social, economic, etc.
way women are contributing in SME’s. beside this, research will provide stats and raw data on
women role in making SME’s successful and expanding in other markets (Buckley and Perlman,
2018). Alongside it, how small business enterprises growth and development is done through
effective strategies and goals.
Scope of the Research
The data was collected in the form of questionnaire through a survey which helped the
researcher to collect required data with survey questions so that analysis of the data can be done
in a convenient manner (Buckley and Perlman, 2018). Inductive approach used by research will
6

help them in reaching to the conclusion by accumulating more appropriate information about the
research topic. This research paper has been done in the best possible manner with least errors or
issues or least number of limitations. Despite of these limitations this research is appropriate
enough to demonstrate in depth analysed information that can be used in future in understanding
women role in development of a country. In future this research can be used by all the women
entrepreneurs in order to participate in development of their country. Other than this, this
research can also be used by many other researchers in order to understand the way in which
they can carry out a research with limited number of flaws or issues or limitations and reach to a
conclusion with appropriate analysis. Basically it defines what the study is and what it has to
focus on . As a research person have to be more careful what to define such as general purposes
of the study,Population as well sample about the studying. The topics as well as theories that
researcher does and also geographical location covered within the study. Research can be
conducted to know as well as learn new technologies, innovation,new developments such as
method to know the women role in various decision-making process as women are strongest in
decision-making . Research done to get the complexity,characteristics,social,feasibility as well as
viability. SMEs are important for economic and social reasons as they give employments to a
large number of Indian citizens. SME are more important to developing countries like India
where the gap between rich and poor is large (Qureshi, Khan and Uprit, 2016).. SME contribute
to Indian economy not only in development but also with the job creations in the country with
comparatively lower cost of capital than huge industries and corporates. The main factors which
are affected by SME are poverty, inequality and unemployment. SME have helped India during
the time of the financial crisis with providing employment opportunities to a large individuals.
SME is very much known for the employment opportunities it provides to the local communities
which mainly include unskilled and skilled workers who do not get employment in large
organisations. It also brings growth and innovation into the business thereby nurturing the local
communities. One of the most important contribution of SMEs was the promotion of balanced
economic development (Buckley and Perlman, 2018). These small enterprises provide a cushion
for the socialistic goals of income equality and regional development. When these SMEs are set
up in the local areas of a region/state, they are also industrializing the rural and backward areas
and helping them moving and uplifting them toward a better condition and improving the
standard of living of rural area people. SME also provide backup to the bigger organisations by
7

doing their outsourced work at cheaper costs. This help the bigger organisation to invest in
developing country like India which in turn increases the gross domestic product (GDP) of India,
which is of the key indicators of economic development for a country. So SME plays an
important role in developing the economy of the country. SME is considered to be the most
dynamic sector for the growth of Indian economy, as SME deals with a large amount of dynamic
products. SME has been running Indian economy for more than 50 years and now more and
more people are setting up their business in the SME sectors (Qureshi, Khan and Uprit, 2016).
In the previous 3 years have been, Indian economy has been drastically changed with the help of
SMEs. Government has introduced policy like make in India, skill India to encourage and
support SMEs. Digital India is also helping the small players get aligned with m-payments and e-
commerce. Government initiative that have majorly affected the SMEs are offering credit for
technology upgrades, helping manufacturing units with national competitiveness program,
helping SMEs ton grow further in foreign markets. SME contribute to around 45% of the India's
total GDP. In India around 46 crores people i.e., almost 35% of the India's total population. So,
the importance of SME's are much more then these number to the well being of India.Role of
SMEs in the well-being of India is not only participating directly or indirectly in the mainstream
economy, but also to act as a panacea for economic woes like poverty, unemployment, income
inequality and regional imbalances (Buckley and Perlman, 2018). So SMEs has been playing an
important role in developing the economic growth of India. This research will help other scholars
with the data which is carried out for the development small-scale enterprise. Various
opportunities are created which has helped women to develop within the organisation.
Increasing workforce of female workers will improve the development of women and create an
opportunities for the women empowerment. This research is carried out to evaluate the
development of the women workers in the national economic growth which aims in the
development of the small enterprise. This reflects the working scenario of the women in the
society. This research will improve the working conditions in which government of India will
motivate women workers and increase the growth of women. This research also elaborates the
future of women workers which will help many small enterprise with the data interpreted in this
research, which will help in increasing liabilities of the women any help to improve the skills and
track their development (Ramadani, Gerguri-Rashiti and Fayolle, 2015) . The small scale
industires are crucial for the incresing job oppoerutnies as well as ecomonic development .It
8

enhaces the growth through enahcing rural and urban growth.The issues like
Slums,povert ,polutions as well as many development acts .If amount of capital is invested
wthim small countries helps to reduce unemployment within india so that it enahces economic
development within india .The industry within a sector that produces goods within a segment.
Woman in small scale industries need a realtively smaller amount than the needed large scale
industries (Buckley and Perlman, 2018). .Another attraction calls for a great deal regarding
development as well as managment. Thses small scale industries are crucial relatively low
porpeotion as well as material compared with total amount rgeding capital used. These are the
quick investment type that needed investment of capital as well as start of the flow of produced
goods. (Qureshi, Khan and Uprit, 2016).Small and medium size enterprise has a huge impact on
the economy of India. These enterprises have been engage in creating employment opportunities
for people. It has helped them in enhancing their lifestyle and standard of living. SMEs in India
contribute around 17 per cent to the country's GDP. They also make a significant contribution to
India's exports and industrial output at 40 per cent and 45 per cent respectively. It has supported
them in enhancing their economic output. It has helped the company in growing. It has also
created opportunities for the people who are under-developed. Their capacity for innovation and
flexibility in a fast changing business environment makes them crucial for success.
The small and medium size enterprise has also brought up innovation and creativity. This has
helped the people in improving their livi8ng standard. The small size enterprise has the
employees between 10-25 employees. They have turnover of 25 lakhs. The medium size industry
has also the workers between 20-30. They have made invested 50 lakh in the industry. They
make a large amount of profit. It has helped them in growing. It has also enhance the economy in
India. It has supported small and medium size enterprise in achieving their goals and objectives.
They have created employment opportunities up to 42.50 million. This has helped the country
like India in growing. It has also supported them in enhancing the gross domestic income. They
have also increased the national and international income of the country. It has supported them in
growing.
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Understanding about women empowerment
Understanding about women empowerment
According to Kapila, Singla and Gupta, (2016) women empowerment is defined as the
process or changes in the ways through which role and functions of women are elaborated and
recreated in specific circumstances in which their role was denied previously. All around the
world the role of women is dedicated mostly to their families and societies only and is not
expected to extend deeply into business or economic. However, for developing strong economy
it is necessary that women must be empowered completely so that they can take part in economic
life as well and contribute theirs skills, knowledge and efficiencies. Women empowerment is
also helpful in enhancing quality of life for all social members along with sustainability and
development. These practices involve practices for women where they can be home workers,
small producers, informal worker, markets, distributors, contractors, suppliers, designers where
women owned enterprises focus on making improvement towards premium markets, further their
role as a leader in business as well as communities will ensure involvement of women in senior
management will ensure they will develop 8-13 % higher returns when they are associated and
being made part of management, further as practices being women employees generate 15% and
above returns above national industry means along with enhancement of women in enterprise
will justify good image of company highlighting effective working conditions along with making
influences in policy making and markets resulting in increased profits with their efforts in
emerging market conditions.
As per the view of Calvi, Lewbel and Tommasi, (2017) private sectors offers greater
opportunity and contribution in empowerment of women's. This can be accomplished by
applying empowerment principles in market, community, workplace and all other segments of
business. It has been also analysed that for promoting sustainable development women
empowerment is a necessity. This approach is considered to be an essential milestone in
establishing gender equality for the development of humanity for other human practices. In
various cultures, political, social and economic institutions gender bias is quite evident. The
abuse and unacceptable level of discrimination prohibits the development and contribution of
women in decision making. Financial dependency over men is one of the most dominating factor
which encourages discrimination and abusive behaviour towards women affecting their mental
10

conditions along with harming their level of complicities, with the knowledge of rights possessed
by the women they can conserve their working conditions along develop a position in
surrounding that they too are strong enough ensuring protection of theirs and their families rights
from evil elements of the socity.
Thus increase in female labour force not only promote the personal development of the
community but also plays significant role in developing economy. According to Saini, (2017) in
the past few years developing countries are witnessing improved education level and health
outcomes of women. There has been increase in the awareness regarding women's right and
preferences that eliminated the practice of their dignity and respect being put on harm and served
them better and productive life and work opportunities. However, in terms of labour force or
economic opportunity, income and ownership rights, credit access and entrepreneurship rates
women continues to trail men. It is also identified that least or negligible investments in the
development limits of women can slow down the economic progression and poverty reduction
rate.
In the same context Calman, (2019) stated that empowerment of women will allow this
half gender to equally participate in existing market. Empowered women tend to have more
opportunity and authority to access productive resources and time to also take part in economic
decision making. It has been also analysed that productivity and sustainability practices can be
increased to a great extent when women are allowed to contribute in the economy. With the
increasing participation of women in jobs and entrepreneurship attributes such as economic
diversification, income equality and work productivity are also increased.
According to Cunningham and et.al., (2015) lack of education and discriminatory
perspective towards women is primary factor responsible for the limited contribution of women.
Even if women are provided education their role tends to be limited to only non-skill jobs or jobs
which does not require any statistical or decision making skills. Thus, in order to pace up with
the technological advancements and global changes it is mandatory that women must be
provided with effective education framework so they contribute with their equal efforts in such
market conditions and stand in competition with men and develop great endeavours for further
advancements and benefits.
The improved knowledge and education through women empowerment will also provide
an opportunity to women to participate in the labour market. Thus, principles of women
11

empowerment are crucial so that women can translate their skills, knowledge and capabilities
into successful labour outcomes. As per the view of Dutta and Bhakta, (2017) women have better
skills in terms of analysis and making sustainable decisions. However unequal opportunities and
unemployment among women creates various downfalls in economy because true potential is not
harnessed to its full extent. Thus, for economic stability as well as to improve social status of
women in society it is essential that women empowerment programs and opportunities must be
encouraged and utilised into practices.
In the similar context Raj and et.al., (2018) elucidated that contrary to the earlier societies
at present women are smarter, educated and socially active. Thus, to cope up with the
development trends it has become mandatory for them to showcase their talent and to grab
development opportunities. Women empowerment can serve as the foundation to complete social
and economic development and can be accomplished by assuring their equal participation in
economic activities along with coping with the advancement for the purpose of their
development and betterment as well. Women with such practices into implementation will lead
to ensure their potions for further development along with activities leading to boosting their
morel for such practices where they ensure their position in the economy and lead healthy and
effective life.
The practices of women empowerment lead to their lives with dignity and freedom along
with adding their self esteem providing them distinct identity where they successfully gained
respect of the society. Further these practices will lead to financial independence for further
spending needs and desires for making accountable contributions for the betterment of the
society for the country to enhance gross development growth and generate fair and equitable
resources for the country. Women in the nation with effective and enormous fund opportunity
will develop their practices will lead to increased respect in society where they ensure their
protected state in economic environment.
Need and significance of women empowerment
According to Garikipati and et.al., (2017) women empowerment is necessary to promote
confidence in women so that they can use their abilities and skills in productive direction. The
sharpening, and nurturing of skills of women is possible only when they are provided freedom to
express, education and equal rights and education to receive financial freedom and growth. It has
12

been stated by Chaturvedi, Singh Rai, (2016) that following are the primary factors which
reflects the necessity and significance of women empowerment.
Reproductive wealth
In majority of societies women are not concerned about their health. In the wake of
providing care to families and children health concerns of women are often ignored by them.
This creates a significant gap in the mortality and morbidity of health of men and women. It is
very essential that each individual is given equal opportunities to hold good wealth. The limited
access to finance and lack of confidence and education often makes women less effective in
emphasising on their health. Donta and et.al., (2016) elucidated that when women will be
financially independent and empowered they will be confident enough to bother about their own
priority, fitness and well being.
Stewardship of natural resources
According to Vinayagamoorthy, (2017) during financial crisis women are supposed to
make adjustments in their choices and preferences since they are non-earning members of
family. Thus women's are considered to be efficient enough to adopt sustainability practices in
their work. If women are empowered to utilise their sustainability skills then it can contribute to
considerable benefits to business and economic growth. The lack of authority and freedom to
women is making their valuable sustainability skills to remain unexplored which can otherwise
contribute greatly to operational benefits as well as environment.
Economic empowerment:
At present males are assumed to be the drivers or economy and the contribution of
women is not calculated in terms of credits or finance. Thus there is high need that women must
be empowered in terms of economy. This approach will allow women to receive suitable credit
and benefits for their unrecognised work. The contribution of women in economy is also helpful
in promoting stability in economic growth. The empowerment will provide new opportunities for
business to women so that stronger and consistent economies can be developed.
Education empowerment:
As per the view of Singh, (2017) there are number of economies in which women are not
even empowered to receive education opportunities equal to men's. Some skills and educational
courses are still considered as domain of men's. Despite having equal capabilities and skills due
to lack of gender equality women are not able to properly utilise their skills and to receive
13

necessary recognition and benefits. Women empowerment will assure that all individuals
irrespective of their gender are able to access education services. Education empowerment is not
only necessary from economic perspective but is also helpful for the effective nurturing of
children and families.
Political empowerment:
Politics is considered as one of the male dominant profession. However the negligible
participation of women in power makes their situation more vulnerable. In the same context
Shetty and Hans, (2015) stated that women empowerment is not possible until and unless
women's are not allowed to enter into politics and do not develop welfare policies for
themselves. The political empowerment of women will also assure that rights and safety of
women are not compromised. The political empowerment is not possible without education and
economic development of women. It is necessary that women's must recognise their rights and
capabilities so that they can also receive equal wealth and recognition of their abilities as enjoyed
by other groups in societies. It will also lower the crime and abusive events against women
which are often neglected and taken for granted due to limited power to women's.
Role of small-scale industries in women empowerment in India
According to Calvi, Lewbel and Tommasi, (2017) apart from playing an important role in
strengthening Indian economy small scale industries (SMEs) also establish equity in terms of
social justice and gender. SMEs are crucial in terms of generating employment, skill and
resource mobilisation and energization of rural economy. These industries provides employment
opportunities to both men and women. In most of the Indian societies it is assumed that women
must emphasis on their families and social roles and are not allowed to work outside. The
perception is predominant in rural areas of India. However with SMEs it is considered that with
small size organisation women will have negligible interaction with outside world and they will
also be able to meet the financial needs. Thus the increasing participation of women in such
small sized industries is also supported by their family members.
In the same context Kaur and Mantok, (2016) stated that in India SMEs provide
employment to both highly skilled as well as less qualified individuals. Thus these industries
allow women's to identify and explore their potential to perform specific job roles without
having any fear to witness massive or large scale audience or communities. In order to build and
develop confidence among women SMEs can be considered as effective medium. As per the
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view of Digan and et.al., (2019) these small industries also make women independent in terms
of employment and finance so that they quality of life can be improved. At the same time
women's also become capable to support their families financially and to make some investments
for future. It gives women a sense of financial empowerment because their morale is increased to
perform with more efficiency.
It has been also elucidated by Bade, (2015) that small industries also have adequate
training and support programs so that apart from the professional excellency women can also
emphasis on their personal development needs. It teaches them various qualities and skills such
as time and resource management, confidence, problem solving, creativity and knowledge
development which provides them a psychological strength and ability to take decisions. In a
conclusive statement Akter, Rahman and Radicic, (2019) stated that SMEs in India are not only
providing economic empowerment but also empower women's of India in terms of decision
making, roles and responsibility and emotional preferences. It has been also analysed that in
urban areas condition and development of women is considerable, however there is high need to
empower this half population in rural areas of India.
SMEs are proving to be highly beneficial in terms of empowerment of women's. This is
demonstrated by the fact that contrary to the large scale industries SMEs provides equal
opportunities to both less and highly qualified women's. According to Borkar and et.al., (2017)
another reason which makes SMEs as better pathway for women empowerment is that these
industries requires small amount of investment. Thus women with good business skills can also
make investment can generate profitability making them financially independent. Women
empowerment is also defined as the fair chance and opportunity to women to control and utilise
their intellectual knowledge, financial resources and equality to participate in decision making at
various levels such as home, community, national and social level (Qureshi, Khan and Uprit,
2016).
SMEs industry environment in India in context of women
Yıldırım, Yıldırım and Çoltu, (2019) stated that India is among the worlds oldest and
largest SME units and has integrated these small industries in both economic as well as
ideological development of the nation. In the context of Indian economy SMEs play vital role in
poverty and employment generation, development of regional and rural areas and establishment
of developmental balance in different regions. These industries are rapidly growing in various
15

parts of India due to self awareness among women as well as support programs of Indian
government to encourage entrepreneurship particularly in rural India and by women's.
However contrary to this Mittal, Sengar and Aagarwal, (2019) elucidated that despite
having vast opportunities and scope for growth several dimensions of Indian culture and region
affects the women empowerment through these SMEs. In India there has been significant gap in
the sex composition. Still there are regions in which percentage of women is very low as
compare to that of males. The wide gender gap creates variations in cultural and social pattern of
and thus leads to formation of male dominating societies where women entrepreneurs still faces
criticism by their own families as well as other members of community.
According to Verma, (2017) marital status and concepts in Indian society are also
important factor in affecting women empowerment. The marital status and scope are varied as
per the religious differences. Thus there are many women's who have potential to successfully
operate or work in small industries but after their marriage they are not encouraged to continue
their growth. Similarly widows are also isolated from main stream and are not expected to
practice this. However with increasing government support, education and growth opportunities
in SMEs these stereotypes are regularly being challenged by women and India has been proving
to be favourable hub for women entrepreneurs.
As per the view of Egels-Zandén, (2017) the most significant aspect which must be taken
into account of SMEs and role of women's is occupational structure and wages for women
worker. Indian culture and societies follow well segmented structure in which primary duty of
women is to provide care to their families. Thus even if women provide financial support to their
family they are expected to equally fulfil their responsibility and household related
responsibilities. It creates excessive work burden in terms of overall working hours on women.
In orthodox sections of India still women entrepreneurs are forced to choose either family or
professional duties because they are not supported equally by their family members.
In the same context Fazalbhoy and Naik, (2019) described that in Indian SMEs there has
been also difference in promotional opportunities and wages for women. For the same work the
small industries provides unequal wages to men and women. The maternity responsibilities of
women also act as one of the factor which restricts the growth of women in these industries.
Most of the industry owners assumes that after having children women may not be able to
provide services and thus they are not liable to receive equal wages or treatment. The inequality
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in wages, work conditions and growth opportunities must be addressed through suitable policies.
However, these issues can be resolved and despite having them SMEs can be considered as great
means to promote women empowerment in all aspects.
Best practices for female owned SME's in India
According to Yadav and Unni, (2016) there are various legislative and social framework
which supports women entrepreneurs in India. The factories act of 1948 describes the health and
safety regulations, working hours, health and welfare considerations for women as well as
maternity benefits for encouraging the women empowerment by increasing their role in SMEs.
In Indian society women are liable to pay complete attention to their families and children and
thus even if they equally contribute in SME growth they are expected to fulfil their both
personal and professional responsibilities. To enhance the support women entrepreneurs are
given both per and post maternity leaves so that they can receive equal support from their family
members.
In the same aspect Ismail, (2016) stated that likewise other parts of the world SMEs in
India have provision of some extra service benefits such as flexible work hours, workplace
safety, easy funding and loan facilities. Though at present these are not extended to large scale
but a significant number of women's in India are receiving benefits from these. As per the view
of Ramadani, Gerguri-Rashiti and Fayolle, (2015) government policies also play a crucial role
which inspires women as well as other male members of the family to support women. It
promote women empowerment in terms of decision making and finance. For example Cent
Kalyani scheme of Central Bank of India provides loan of up to 1 Crore to retail or agricultural
women entrepreneurs without any guarantors or collateral. This type of scheme make it
beneficial for the women to start up their own business and since it provides huge relaxation their
husband, father or male guardians are also supportive in such economic decisions and actions
(Chawla and Sujatha, 2015). Similarly udyogini scheme in India provides support and help to
poor and illiterate women so that women from rural or backward region can also receive
financial support for small and medium enterprises.
According to Garg and Agarwal, (2017) schemes of Indian government such as Mudra
Yojana scheme, TREAD, Mahila udyam nidhi scheme and Dena shakti scheme for providing
financial empowerment to women who desire to initiate business. Apart from the financial and
cost benefits women empowerment cannot be achieved without education and skills
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development. In rural areas of India still women education is one of the biggest challenge in
empowerment of women. Thus for assuring equal participation of women in economy and SMEs
it is necessary that women's must be provided equal and fair chances for enhancing their
knowledge and skills.
For empowering women they must be given freedom to take decision for their
investments and expenses. Patil and Deshpande, (2018) stated that for increasing role of women's
there is also need to change or improve the social and cultural aspects of women. The women
can also utilise their abilities and skills when they are supported by their families. It must be
accepted that household responsibilities must be shared among all house members instead of
shifting it completely to women (Bui, Kuan and Chu, 2018). It will eliminate the excessive work
burden on women and they will demonstrate their abilities with more enthusiasm and efficiency.
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