Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital.
In recent years, the number of women entrepreneurs has been steadily growing, particularly in regions like the UAE and India, where progressive policies and initiatives have been encouraging female participation in business.
From tech startups to sustainable fashion and healthcare innovations, they are driving change in industries traditionally dominated by men.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women entrepreneurs are going to supercharge the economies of the Middle East, as the share of women in professional and technical jobs, led by female entrepreneurs, will more than double by 2030. Yet, despite this progress, the road to business growth and sustainability for women entrepreneurs is often fraught with obstacles – lack of access to capital, networks, and mentorship being some of the most critical challenges.
Addressing these gaps is essential for fostering long-term success, beyond just celebrating the rise of women leaders.
Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Face
Women entrepreneurs face unique barriers, particularly in the Middle East, where traditional gender roles persist. As a result, women-led startups tend to receive less attention from investors. According to a report by Crunchbase, in 2022, women founders received only 2.2 per cent of global venture capital funding. This disparity exists despite data showing that women-owned businesses often outperform male counterparts. A report by BCG reveals that women-founded companies generate 78 cents per dollar invested, compared to 31 cents for male-founded ones — clearly proving that women-led ventures are not just a social cause, but a smart investment.
In addition to capital, women often lack access to critical networks that provide mentorship and collaboration opportunities. While entrepreneurial ecosystems are expanding, they remain predominantly male-centric, putting women at a disadvantage in forming key relationships necessary for business growth.
The Power of Networking and Exposure
For women entrepreneurs, who often find themselves excluded from traditional business networks, the opportunity to connect with investors, media, and industry leaders can be game-changing. Networking events not only provide a platform to interact with business giants but also offer invaluable insights for scaling ventures. In a region that increasingly values innovation and technology, the ability to secure the right partnerships and funding is crucial for women entrepreneurs to grow beyond regional limitations and compete globally.
Women Empower Women
Women leaders have a critical role in creating pathways for the next generation. Having navigated similar challenges, they are uniquely positioned to guide young entrepreneurs through the emotional, societal, and professional hurdles of building a business. Empowerment extends beyond financial investment; it includes mentorship, access to learning platforms, and networks that support sustainable growth.
The connection between women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs creates a ripple effect, fueling collective empowerment. It’s not just about individual success – women supporting other women fosters an ecosystem where empowerment multiplies, strengthening industries and communities alike.
Fostering Inclusive Growth
Inclusive growth demands a robust support system for women entrepreneurs. This is where initiatives like Encubay Global Immersion Week, championed by Rukam Capital, step in. The program aims to support women founders by empowering 100 high-potential women entrepreneurs from India and the UAE, offering them access to business models, scaling strategies, and market insights. This will equip them with the necessary tools to transform their ventures into scalable, sustainable businesses.
The initiative provides these entrepreneurs with invaluable networking opportunities, investor exposure, media visibility, and access to GITEX, one of the world’s largest and most influential tech events. Moreover, eight women-led startups will be handpicked to pitch at the SoarUp Showcase, offering them a unique opportunity to secure critical investments and partnerships. These initiatives not only foster individual success but contribute to regional economic growth. By connecting women entrepreneurs with global markets, they help build a diverse, innovative business ecosystem. According to the Boston Consulting Group, equal participation of men and women as entrepreneurs could boost global GDP by up to $5 trillion. These kinds of exposures help in the growth of any business and ensure that women entrepreneurs have a seat at the table in shaping the future of the economy.
Bottomline
Women entrepreneurs have the potential to transform economies and industries. However, their success relies not only on innovation but on the availability of a supportive ecosystem. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely an inclusionary act or an ESG checkmark—it’s an investment in the multi-trillion-dollar opportunity that women represent. Their success is a transformative force for building a better world.
Archana Jahagirdar is founder and managing partner at Rukam Capital
