By Kavita Sharma
It’s encouraging to see the rise of new-age Indian womenpreneurs in a variety of industries. Women are ready to change the shape of the Indian startup ecosystem, from traditional sectors like textiles and lifestyle brands to fast-moving sectors like Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) and Banking and ed-tech.
In India, women’s total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) is 12.3%, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2020–2021 report. According to the report, 231 million women-owned businesses in the 59 economies that were examined for the 2018–2019 report. Numerous governments and organisations recognised the contribution of women to societal advancement, economic expansion, and personal well-being.
What sets these platforms apart is not just their commitment to education but their dedication to diversity in content. No longer confined to a Eurocentric curriculum, these platforms celebrate a rich mosaic of cultures, voices, and perspectives. It’s an educational carnival where learners are not just spectators but active participants, breaking free from the monotony of conventional learning and embracing a global tapestry of knowledge.
However, the impact goes beyond pixels and screens. Women entrepreneurs are demolishing the digital divide by making education affordable and accessible, even in the remotest corners of the world. It’s a movement that believes in education as a universal right, not a privilege, ensuring that no one is left in the shadows of ignorance.
But it’s not just about delivering content; it’s about building a community. Imagine a digital agora where learners from diverse backgrounds converge, collaborate, and create. These platforms are not just about disseminating information but about fostering connections, mentoring relationships, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s a digital town square where ideas are exchanged, friendships forged, and a collective intelligence emerges stronger than the sum of its parts.
The success stories emerging from these platforms are nothing short of inspirational sagas. Imagine a single mother in a rural village becoming not only a proficient learner but also a mentor and leader in the digital education space. These success stories are not just about education; they are about empowerment, breaking societal norms, and shattering glass ceilings.
Yet, in this narrative of triumph, challenges persist. The gender gap in tech and entrepreneurship remains a stark reality, and women-led initiatives often struggle for recognition and support. It’s a reminder that while we celebrate the victories, we must also acknowledge and address the hurdles, ensuring that the path these women entrepreneurs have paved becomes wider and smoother for those who follow.
In a nutshell, the digital revolution led by women entrepreneurs in education is not just a paradigm shift; it’s a kaleidoscopic explosion of creativity, empowerment, and innovation. As we navigate this brave new world of online education, let’s celebrate the mavericks who dared to dream beyond the blackboard, and who envisioned a world where education knows no boundaries. The journey has just begun, and with each click, each interaction, and each success story, these women entrepreneurs are not just transforming education but rewriting the script for a future where knowledge is truly the key that unlocks all doors.
The author is co-founder and CEO of Ziyyara Edutech. Views are personal.