Women in India are transforming their talents into the form of businesses, working in various fields like handmade products, textile, food and beverage, apparel, jewellery, and other goods. A significant number of them start their businesses from home, self-help groups (SHGs), or small community enterprises.
However, the shift from unorganized to organized business can be quite tricky. Factors like access to customers, digital platforms, financial support, branding, and marketing play a huge role in determining the success of women entrepreneurs.
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The Growing Role of Women Entrepreneurs in India
Women entrepreneurs make a difference to the local economies by making products, earning livelihoods and making livelihoods in their community.
But many women’s businesses are small enterprises in the informal sector. The NITI Aayog research notes that there is limited access to markets, marketing skills, finance, digital tools, and business networks for women entrepreneurs.
When creating a product through the hands of their own people, it is as critical to find the proper customer as it is to create a good product.
Also Read: Role of NGOs in Promoting Women’s Rights in India
From Making Products to Building a Business
The making of a product is just the first step. Women entrepreneurs require spaces to display their products and reach out to customers outside their local areas to grow.
A more robust business involvement can encompass:
- A clear product catalogue and user manual.
- Good product photographs
- Consistent and simple branding.
- Digital product listings
- Online customer access
- Order and payment systems that are reliable.
- A platform to access new markets.
Online marketplaces are a good way of reaching out to a larger market and providing a platform for the small sellers to showcase their products.
How Market Access Can Empower Women Entrepreneurs
Market access provides an avenue for women entrepreneurs to earn income as a way of utilizing their skills.
Women-led businesses can leverage digital marketplaces to promote their products, connect with customers from other regions and create a brand identity while avoiding relying solely on the local market.
It can be particularly helpful for NGOs, SHGs, artisans, and women-owned enterprises as many businesses might have quality products but not much visibility or marketing efforts.
It’s not just about selling more products. It is for the purpose of building confidence and customer network and sustainable livelihood amongst women entrepreneurs.
Also Read: How NGOs Support Women’s Rights and Empowerment in India
NGO Bazaar: Creating More Visibility for Women Sellers
NGO Bazaar has a niche space where NGOs, SHGs, artisans, women entrepreneurs, FPOs and other purpose-driven sellers can display their products online.
Rather than having products in the local area, sellers can move towards a digital presence and make their products more accessible to prospective customers.
For women entrepreneurs, this can equal:
- More product visibility
- Better access to customers.Enhanced customer reach.
- A unique online “storefront”
- Better product presentation
- A chance to develop a brand for their work.
It brings the women entrepreneurs to a wider market and makes their stories, skills and impact on community visible.
From Informal Work to Sustainable Enterprise
It takes time for the transition from informal work to sustainable businesses. The markets, finance, skills, technology and continuous support are vital to women entrepreneurs.
Marketplaces can be a step on this path by increasing product visibility and providing a chance to engage with new audiences.
In the context of supporting women entrepreneurs, listing their products on NGO Bazaar can be a valuable effort in increasing their digital presence and reach.
Do you have products created by women entrepreneurs, SHGs, artisans or your community? Provide them with more exposure. Make them available on NGO Bazaar and contribute to building local skills into sustainable opportunities.
Also Read: The Importance of NGOs in Promoting Women’s Rights
FAQs
1. What are the problems faced by women entrepreneurs in India?
Some common issues are access to market, finance, digital skills, marketing knowledge, mobility, and business networks.
2. How can digital marketplaces help women entrepreneurs?
They can offer increased product visibility, assist sellers in getting products to customers out of their local market, and build a digital profile for their business.
3. Is there a scope to sell products on the internet through SHGs?
Yes. SHGs can leverage appropriate online platforms to advertise and sell their handicrafts, textiles, food products, and other community-made products.
4. How can I list women-made products on NGO Bazaar?
Non-Governmental Organizations, SHGs, artisans and women entrepreneurs can use NGO Bazaar as a platform to display and sell their products to the masses.
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