In an engaging and insightful panel discussion, Susan Ferguson, Country Representative for UN Women in India, led a conversation on the crucial role of women in economic growth and leadership. The panel featured two distinguished speakers: Dr. Senthamarai Gokulakrishnan, Founder of Betamonks&Yuukke Global Ventures, and Shobha Dixit, Director at ALPLA. The discussion revolved around the systemic barriers women face in business and manufacturing, as well as strategies to foster inclusive economic growth.
Recognising Women’s Contributions
Opening the session, Ferguson highlighted the importance of acknowledging and celebrating women’s contributions across all domains, from family to business. “As global policies and politics shift rapidly, recognising the role of women in all aspects of life is critical,” she said.
She also highlighted the stark investment gap that women-owned businesses face, referencing data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). “There is a 60% investment gap in women’s micro and small businesses. Without proper investment, these businesses cannot grow to their full potential,” she pointed out.
Moreover, she stressed the need for increasing women’s leadership in business. “People often say we need a critical mass of 30% to bring change, but why should we stop there? Women make up half the population, and 50% representation in leadership should be our goal,” Ferguson asserted.
Breaking Barriers in Manufacturing
Shobha Dixit shared her perspective on the challenges women face in this traditionally male-dominated sector. “Manufacturing is the backbone of any economy, and India is at a pivotal moment as it aims to become the world’s third-largest economy,” she stated.
Despite the increasing participation of women in the workforce, leadership roles remain elusive. “Fifty percent of our population is women. Yet, leadership remains a challenge. We need to address the ‘leaky pipeline’—the drop-off points where women exit the workforce, whether due to marriage, motherhood, or financial security from their spouse’s income,” she explained.
Dixit stressed the need for early intervention through education and exposure to career opportunities. “We must build a community mindset where career is not seen as optional for women. From childhood, young girls and boys should see working women as the norm. Skilling programs, summer internships, and industry exposure at institutions like IITs and NITs can help prepare young women for leadership in manufacturing,” she suggested.
She also highlighted advancements in technology that have made manufacturing more accessible to women. “With automation, robotics, and ergonomic solutions, the physical barriers that once limited women’s participation are disappearing. Today, even steel factories are managed from control rooms rather than shop floors,” she noted.
Women’s Leadership and Economic Growth
Dr. Senthamarai Gokulakrishnan expanded the discussion to include the broader challenges and opportunities for women in leadership. She began by expressing gratitude for the platform. “Thought by thought, action by action, we shape the blueprint of the future. Conversations like these bring us closer to achieving gender equality,” she remarked.
Drawing from her experience working with grassroots women entrepreneurs, she highlighted the disparity between women in corporate leadership and those in informal economies. “Women at the top are making waves, leading businesses, and driving digital transformation. But at the grassroots level, many women see entrepreneurship as a means of survival rather than ambition,” she noted.
She emphasized the critical role of technology in bridging this gap. “For many women in rural areas, the language of technology remains a barrier. If we want them to compete in the global market, we need to make digital tools accessible and comprehensible,” she stated.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Business
Dr. Senthamarai Gokulakrishnan highlighted the importance of industry networks like Indian Women Network (IWN), which create platforms for women professionals to connect and exchange best practices. “Instead of relying solely on government intervention, organizations like IWN directly engage with businesses, fostering a culture of inclusion from within,” she remarked.
One notable policy recommendation from IWN has been the establishment of community centers with creches in industrial parks. “States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have successfully integrated women into the manufacturing sector by implementing such initiatives, allowing working mothers to balance their professional and personal responsibilities,” Dixit noted.
Mentorship programs have also played a vital role in women’s career growth. The “each one lift one” philosophy has led to the creation of over 300 mentor-mentee pairs in South India alone. “When experienced professionals, regardless of gender, step up as mentors, we see a transformation in how women perceive and pursue leadership roles,” Ms. Dixit added.
The Digital Revolution: A Game Changer for Women Entrepreneurs
The rise of digital platforms has opened up new avenues for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to access wider markets, investors, and business networks. However, accessibility remains a challenge, particularly for women in rural areas due to language barriers and digital literacy issues.
Dr. Gokulakrishnan emphasised the importance of making technology more inclusive. “Platforms like Yuukke are pioneering multilingual interfaces, ensuring that women from diverse linguistic backgrounds can confidently showcase their products online,” she explained.
Government initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) are also playing a transformative role by allowing small businesses to expand their reach without being restricted to a single e-commerce platform. Dixit cited a compelling success story: “A woman entrepreneur from Karaikudi, who created a popular hair oil brand, wanted to enter the UAE market but faced high intermediary costs. Through a women-led business community, she connected with a counterpart in Dubai, who facilitated direct government support, helping her establish her business internationally within a month.”
The Road Ahead
Technology, mentorship, and networking collectively serve as powerful tools for breaking barriers and ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive. By fostering inclusive business environments, scaling mentorship programs, and investing in digital accessibility, the future holds immense potential for women-led enterprises to flourish.
As Ferguson aptly concluded, “When we invest in women, we invest in entire communities. The success of women entrepreneurs does not just empower individuals—it transforms economies and societies at large.”
This discussion took place at an event hosted by the Embassy of Austria and the Embassy of Slovenia, in collaboration with Diplomatist Magazine, on March 6, 2025. The gathering, held at the residence of the Austrian Ambassador in New Delhi, celebrated International Women’s Day and marked the handover of the EU Gender Championship.
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