If government statistics are to be factored in, then there are around 14 per cent women running their entrepreneurial ventures in India today. They are also managing their homes, as is the popular perception. Are women still expected to manage both home and business when there are no such expectations from a man? Is there any change happening as more and more women take up entrepreneurship? What do successful women entrepreneurs say when they get together to discuss the topic of ‘striking the right balance’ between entrepreneurship and home management.
This lively session was moderated by Dr. Bhuvan Lall, Award-Winning Filmmaker, International Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Author.
The concept of family can also include the family one creates at the work place. And that is exactly what Mansi Gupta, CEO & Founder, Tjori believes. “It is all about the support you get from your family and the family you have at work,” she said adding that it does become a challenge for the women once they embrace motherhood. “Your partner has to be the partner in all aspects. Young mothers always take their 7-month baby to work. To have a baby and manage a venture feels like having twins," said Gupta.
Does having a right attitude helps? It does, said Jyoti Khetarpal, Entrepreneur in chief (Founder), Brisk Check Solutions. “The social mindsets are changing. It will bring about a change soon. I need to set the expectations right and then prioritize things that I would love to do the most,” said Khetarpal.
Shubha Lal, Co-Founder & COO, Your-Space said: “The definition of balance varies from person to person. It is more about aligning things with your partner.” Lal said her partner stepped back and got into a job so that she could carry on with her business venture.
Shivani Poddar, Co-Founder, FabAlley & Indya said: “There are no rights and wrongs. We can choose what we want to do." As a mother of two-month old baby, Poddar said: "I can manage both work and home because I love what I do.”
On his part as a session-moderator, Dr. Bhuvan Lall quoted John Lennon: "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans", an apt summary perhaps to a lively and honest discussion on a rather tricky topic. The panel was part of the BW Businessworld Women Entrepreneurship Awards 2020.