Women all over the world are known to take on disproportionate amount of responsibility in terms of running the household.
Some are even the sole breadwinners of their family. There are single mothers who struggle to make ends meet while at the same time raising the children single-handedly.
Women form half of the population of the world, yet their ownership of property and resources is not commensurate with their contribution to the society.
Often, they do not have a voice, bound as they are by cultural restrictions and the traditional apathy perpetuated over the centuries.
Women are the conscience keepers of the society and play an important role in raising the next generation who have the right values.
Therefore, it is imperative that they are given the economic muscle they need to be able to do that effectively.
Women can only be empowered economically and be made equal partners in decision-making through economic freedom.
How do we ensure that this is taken up, given the traditional constraints imposed by society, lack of formal education in women and scarcity of jobs?
That, the women do not lack in ability is a fact only too apparent when you look around you. All they need is initial support so crucial to find their own feet in the world of business and entrepreneurship.
But winds of change are blowing as the families realize the importance of extra income and the resultant benefits it brings in terms of better food, housing and education.
Lijjat, the Indian women’s cooperative dealing with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) like processed food and toiletries, is a shining example of women power. Started in 1959 with a seed capital of Rs. 80, it now boasts of an annual turnover of over US$100 million.
Lijjat is not just content with the business side of things. They are involved in furthering the cause of women empowerment through literacy and computer education drives, running hobby centre for rural women and conducting orientation courses in sewing, knitting and toy making. Child welfare, first aid and hygiene are also part of the drive .
Realizing the potential of women entrepreneurship and how it can positively impact socio-economic indicators, Government of India (GoI) has put its might behind the venture, and is facilitating the process through workshops, training and microfinance. Marketing the product has also been made easier with the help of co-operatives, and self-help groups.
Government guidelines state that an enterprise owned and controlled by women is the one in which they should have a minimum financial interest of 51% of the capital and giving at least 51% of the employment generated in the enterprise to women.
Finally, it would appear that we are a step closer to our eventual goal – recognition of women’s role in shaping the society and their economic empowerment.
