Challenges Faced By Women In Business Today.

October 3, 2022

In India, it is estimated that only around 30 percent of businesses are owned by women. This number is lower than most other countries in the world. While there are a number of reasons for this, including cultural and societal factors, there are also a number of successful businesses owned by women in India. In this blog post, We will  look at the challenges faced by women in business today and how they are overcoming them. 

 

Table Of Contents

 

The World Bank’s “Gender At Work” Report

Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India still faces significant challenges when it comes to women in business. The World Bank’s 2017 “Gender at Work” report ranks India 116th out of 190 countries when it comes to the ease of women starting and running businesses. This is due, in part, to cultural factors such as the prevalence of gender-based violence and discrimination, and a lack of resources and support for women entrepreneurs. However, there are also a number of specific challenges that Indian women face when trying to enter or progress in the business world. 

 

Challenges Women Face In Business Today

There are a lot of challenges women face while starting or running a business. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. From cash flow problems and marketing woes to saving for retirement, business owners must overcome myriad obstacles to become successful. These challenges are especially notable for women. 

Limited Funding: A business must have funding in order to launch. Many Indian women do not own any real estate or other assets. As a result, individuals have trouble getting loans because they have no collateral. This is an issue not just in India but all throughout the world. According to a Bloomberg survey, funding is significantly less for women who own and operate firms than it is for men.

Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a work-life balance can be hard especially if you are a Working Women.  It's a lot of responsibilities at once managing work, family and social relations. Owning and running a business means long hours and thus, for women work-life balance can become a problem. In the case of working mothers, taking care of their children takes a lot of time and energy, thereby often forcing them to give less time to focus on the business. 

Minimal Support: You need all the assistance you can get while starting a firm and establishing yourself in the corporate world. Sadly, women frequently find themselves alone with no one to help them. In this day and age, it is necessary to have experienced mentors and family members supporting you. 

Gender Inequality: Politics, law, society, and religion all rest on a patriarchal foundation. In the world of males, women must make their way up despite stigma and persecution. Despite efforts made by legislation and rules to promote a welcoming business climate for all parties, the actual changes have not yet been put into place.

Unfavorable Business Environment: Less developed business networks, as well as social and conventional barriers that prevent women from participating in business, are among the difficulties that women face. Religion hinders women from owning businesses. In some countries, women may be required to have a male partner who will do deals, negotiate, and be the face of the business. Despite these obstacles, women's skills and contributions are increasingly valued in the economic sector. There are significant cultural barriers that prevent Indian women from seizing senior leadership roles within companies. 

Recommended Blogs

Explore inspiring stories, tips, and trends for women entrepreneurs

Blog Thumbnail
Inside The Feast by Women Listed: A First-of-Its-Kind Showcase of Women-Led Food Brands
The Feast by Women Listed is India’s first curated food festival celebrating women-led food, beverage, and lifestyle brands — featuring 100+ stalls, tastings, workshops, and conversations with leading founders.
Blog Thumbnail
How Mmeeta Sharma is Redefining Crystal Wellness with Venus Treasures
A feature on Mmeeta Sharma, the founder of Venus Treasures, and how she is bringing a modern, intention-led approach to crystal wellness through her handcrafted healing tools and personalised guidance.
Blog Thumbnail
10 Women-Led Ethnic Wear Brands to Bookmark from the Bazaar: The Gift Edit
A Women Listed curation of 10 women-led ethnic wear brands from our Bazaar: The Gift Edit, featuring fresh, contemporary and homegrown Indianwear by emerging women founders.
Blog Thumbnail
Inside Women Listed Bazaar: How We Are Curating Women-Led Brands for The Gift Edit
Step inside Women Listed Bazaar: The Gift Edit and see how we are curating women-led brands for a premium, purposeful pre-Diwali gifting exhibition in Delhi.
Blog Thumbnail
From STEM to Storytelling: 5 Women Entrepreneurs on Women Listed in the Educational Toy Space
Explore five thoughtful educational toy brands by women entrepreneurs on Women Listed—blending creativity, learning, and purposeful play.
Blog Thumbnail
Women Listed Is Going Premium — Here’s What Our New Subscription Means for You
We’ve launched the Women Listed premium subscription, a set of annual plans designed to give women entrepreneurs more visibility, deeper support, and better growth tools than ever before.
Blog Thumbnail
From Chronic Illness to Conscious Healing: Arzoo Bhatia’s Haal Chaal Journey
Arzoo Bhatia’s journey from chronic illness to founder of Haal Chaal is a story of purpose and resilience. Through her women-led wellness brand, she blends psychotherapy, energy healing, and natural medicine to support holistic transformation.
Blog Thumbnail
Not Just an Exhibition: What Makes the Women Listed "Bazaar: The Gift Edit" Truly Different
The Women Listed Bazaar: The Gift Edit is not just another exhibition — it's a curated, community-driven space that celebrates women-led brands and meaningful gifting.
Blog Thumbnail
Homegrown Across India: Discover 5 Women Entrepreneurs & Their Young Saree Brands
These 5 women entrepreneurs are building thoughtful, homegrown saree brands that celebrate India’s rich textile heritage — from Assam to Banaras. Discover them on Women Listed.
Blog Thumbnail
Women Listed Mid-Year Recap of 2025: Pitch Meets, Purposeful Event & What’s Coming
From pitch rooms to roundtables, here’s what Women Listed built in the first half of 2025 — and why the second half is packed with even more purpose.