Factors deterring the progress of aspiring Women Entrepreneurs in North Chennai, India

Vyasarpadi (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) was considered a difficult locality to dwell in, given its history of crime and illegal activities. The women living here, have faced the brunt of the situation in more ways than one. Purpose: Although today, the scenario has changed, it has been quite a challenge for the women of Vyasarpadi to realize their career dreams amidst the social issues that prevail. This study aims to understand the factors that are holding them down. The primary objective of this research is to determine if these women are willing to go the extra mile to pursue and achieve their business aspirations, through training programmes that are intended to empower them. Design & Methodology: During an intervention with the Self-Help Groups in Vyasarpadi, a survey was conducted on the factors that affect the career prospects of these women with the objective of identifying solutions that can catapult them in the right direction. Around 85 women from the locality attended the intervention and discussed the roadblocks in realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations. Results & Findings: By and large, the findings reveal that most women are ready to break their social stigma and inhibitions, age and family constraints to explore new venues for bettering their standard of living, independence, and financial/social status. The other two factors namely financial limitations (added to a lack of knowledge of government schemes) and lack of management training play a role in discouraging women from pursuing business opportunities. Implications & Conclusion: Empowering women who are at the bottom of the pyramid takes planning and execution of deliberate measures from the State and Central Governments, implemented through transparent mechanisms and monitored rigorously and periodically through systematic audits. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future to uplift women in the bottom of the pyramid and transform them into entrepreneurs.