Last month, a three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit was held in Hyderabad on the theme ‘female economic empowerment’. The guest who stole all the limelight was Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump.  Following her father’s footstep of a successful businessman, Ivanka too ran her own line of shoes, accessories and handbags thereby earning the name as a ‘successful business woman’. She, on the conference, received accolades for reiterating on the fact that females still find it hard to start, own and grow their business. In order to grow fuller, they should have access to capital, networks and mentors.

This thought provoking lines correctly portrays the scenario of Nepal as well. The ratio of female entrepreneurs in Nepal is less and many factors are responsible for this. The patriarchal mindset and the socio-cultural constraints embedded within the society question a female’s potential as a leader letting them face plenty of challenges.

I knew a sister who had never taken any formal training but was pretty good with her parlor skills. She always wanted to demonstrate this talent of hers to her close ladies’ circle. I too was one of them. Once she insisted to try it on me and I could not decline her. To my surprise, she used her hands like a professional.

I suggested to her that she open a parlor of her own in the local area where she had plenty of connections. She told that the desire of operating her own parlor had coiled in her heart since long and she was advised to do so by many. But her in-laws never wanted her to get into this profession.

A female encounters plenty of challenges when she admits or dares to open a venture of her own. There are many girls whose families act antagonistic, some lack capital, some lack the motivation, leadership so on and so forth.

Business ventures, no matter how small, will help them get out of their cocoon and showcase their talent. It ignites confidence, empowers and ushers them to the front other than just helping to sustain themselves and their families.

There are some laudable examples of women entrepreneurs who against all odds established themselves as a successful figure in the society. Females should have access to market, occasional leadership, and mentorship and management training. Every female should dare to dream big, surpass the hurdles and give it a full shape.