Kuhu Bhattacharya
The number of women entrepreneurs in India is on the rise. Statistics show that around 14% hold graduate degrees, with a total of 55% having pursued higher education. This trend suggests a growing emphasis on education among female entrepreneurs; however, according to a study by the RBIH, there is a significant gap in the absolute number of women entrepreneurs, with only 19.2% of Indian women participating in the workforce.
To tackle the significant disparity, on 2nd March 2024, an electrifying bazaar took place within the ‘Lodha World Towers’ community, organised by two impassioned resident women, Samta Gala and Lokashi Aggarwal. Friends for over 20 years stemming from their school days, these two women solely planned, executed and managed this platform for women residents and the event for the wider residential community. The driving force behind this event was to catalyse entrepreneurship among women and provide an empowering platform to showcase their talents and products, not for financial gain. Rather, the event was designed from its inception to execution to inspire women’s self-belief, and ability to make a significant community contribution, alongside overcoming gender barriers and isolation (from COVID-19 or other phases of life such as new motherhood, old age, and otherwise).
As stated by Samta, "So many women have the desire to do something but don't know where to start. We wanted to provide a supportive platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and products."
And that's exactly what they did.
The bazaar proved to be a resounding success, attracting a footfall of over 400 visitors. It featured a total of 35 stalls, each one managed by a woman entrepreneur hailing from diverse age groups and backgrounds. The range of products offered was truly extensive, spanning from intricately crafted handmade bookmarks and other handicrafts to delectable homemade snacks and innovative health-related merchandise.
Every single stall exuded an aura of unwavering optimism and entrepreneurial zeal, fostering a truly exhilarating ambience. Notably, one stall showcased a wide range of self-care kits, thoughtfully curated journals, and uplifting affirmation stickers, all created by a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.
Sitting down individually and helping women identify their unique core strengths and interests in the months leading up to the bazaar, combined with specific posters meticulously designed for each stall, added a personalised touch to the event. Samta and Lokashi gave coaching to each participant running a stall to support them in identifying and achieving their vision, not for financial profits but for the personal satisfaction of making an immense contribution to the community through sharing their strengths, passions, and interest areas with others.
The overwhelming success of the bazaar can be attributed to over 7 months of hard work, and promotions through WhatsApp groups and an Instagram handle, sans any corporate sponsorships. It was an autonomous initiative, orchestrated by women, for women.
It was never about the money: Remarkably, everyone involved—from the decorators to the entertainers—believed in the cause and provided their services at a reduced cost to make the vision a reality.
When inquired about their advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, the duo unanimously and wholeheartedly responded, “Seize the opportunity fearlessly. Allow no one to extinguish the entrepreneurial flame burning vibrantly within you.”
By nurturing an environment of intergenerational camaraderie, support, and empowerment, the bazaar – through the initiative and empowerment of the women who generated the idea and brought it to life with other women in their community and residential ecosystem - served as a shining example that women entrepreneurs can achieve phenomenal feats and scale unprecedented heights when provided with the right prospects and encouragement.
Residential communities can further support women's empowerment by activating and ensuring accessible spaces to women residents who are ready to create and foster intergenerational connections amongst the female community within and outside of the residences. Residential communities may provide space for women to organise and curate regular skill-sharing workshops, ideally emerging from ideas generated by the women in the community, for the women in the community; create or make linkages to female mentorship programs and opportunities for women to serve as mentors and be mentors for other (both formal and informal mentoring); host community networking events for women; offer business incubation support; and establish support groups for niche groups of women such as new mothers and elderly women. These initiatives not only have the scope to foster personal growth and connection for women, but also enhance the overall well-being of the community - creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents.