On this International Women’s Day, while women’s safety remains a pressing issue, there’s no denying the significant progress in women’s empowerment and financial independence.

Though these changes are more visible in urban India, they will inevitably trickle down to rural areas, transforming society as a whole.

For true liberation, women — like everyone else — must possess a fundamental trait: Courage — the courage to carve their own path, to make choices unshackled by societal constraints and to stand firm in those decisions.

However, courage alone is not enough; it must be fortified by education and economic             independence.

These twin forces enable women to exercise agency over their lives with confidence and conviction.

An educated woman who gains autonomy over her life can manage her finances, choose her partner and decide if and when she wants to have children.

This shift not only challenges deep-seated patriarchal mindsets but also erodes the excessive moral policing that has long constrained women. And the impact isn’t just social — it’s economic too.

A 2015 study titled ‘The Power of Parity: Advancing Women’s Equality in Asia Pacific’ found that even a modest 10 percent increase in women’s workforce participation could boost India’s GDP by a staggering 770 billion Dollars. 

The benefits extend to individual families as well: Dual-income households enjoy better healthcare, improved education for children, and an overall higher quality of life compared to single-income families in the same peer group.

Of course, absentee parent can be an issue but it can be solved with a parenting style appropriate to the demands of modern life.  

That does not take away the fact that when women gain access to education, they naturally gravitate toward opportunities that improve their lives and those of                                                             their families.

This is where wealth creation begins. The Government must recognise this and invest effectively in fostering women-led entrepreneurship.

Encouragingly, Indian women entrepreneurs have a proven track record of success. A remarkable 80-90 percent of women entrepreneurs repay their loans, compared to a mere 30-40 percent of male borrowers. 

Recognising this, the Indian Government launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in 2018, spearheaded by NITI Aayog.

However, one challenge persists — many women allow their husbands to take over these financial resources, reducing themselves to proxies.

The real battle is not just about access to capital but ensuring that women retain control over their businesses. 

Traditionally, Indian women were the backbone of household savings, a critical driver of the country’s economic stability. However, with declining household savings, it is now essential to integrate women into the workforce and ignite their entrepreneurial potential.

Interestingly, the hospitality   sector provides an inspiring case study. Just two days ago, Airbnb reported that Indian women entrepreneurs earned Rs. 260 crore in 2024 by hosting their homes on the platform. Today, nearly 30 percent of Airbnb hosts in India are women. 

Despite these advancements, women entrepreneurs still face scepticism, particularly from financial institutions which deny women credit, assuming their family responsibilities will hinder business success.

However, these biases are unfounded according to Dr. B.R. Pai, the Chairman and Managing Director of Vijay Wires and Filaments Pvt. Ltd. in Mysuru, who says women are naturally designed to be entrepreneurs. He outlined six key reasons:

1. Risk-taking mindset: From a young age, women are prepared for change, knowing they must one day leave their parental home and build a new one.

2. Versatility: A successful entrepreneur juggles multiple roles, just as a woman manages her household, balancing finance, relationships, and logistics.

3. Leadership at home:  Women inherently run their households, making critical financial and emotional decisions that shape their families.

4. Drive to succeed: Women often have fewer freedoms growing up, making them more determined to seize opportunities when they arise.

5. Patience and resilience: Women handle multiple relationships — managing in-laws, children, and spouses — skills that translate well into entrepreneurship.

Dr. Pai may be right, but as more  and more households become dual-income, traditional gender roles are evolving, reshaping marriage dynamics and the role of women in the workforce. 

That said, one fact remains: Societies where women are educated and contribute economically tend to be more progressive, prosperous and stable.

An educated and financially empowered woman doesn’t just build a better future for herself — she raises better children and ultimately, fosters a more just, equitable and progressive society.

This Women’s Day, let us hope the Government understands that investing in women is investing in the nation’s future.

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