A recent report reveals that a staggering 80% of women-led enterprises in India struggle with international payments, significantly hindering their ability to engage in global trade. Source: âŻPTI
Core Challenges Identified
A survey of over 300 women entrepreneurs highlights four major obstacles on their path to cross-border expansion:
- International Payments (~80%)
Difficulty in making and receiving payments globally remains the most significant barrier. - Regulatory Complexity (~60%)
Navigating export laws, trade regulations, and other compliance mandates poses a challenge for around 60% of women-led businesses. - Limited Financial Access
Many women-led firms experience funding shortages and payment delays, limiting their ability to scale operations. - Supply Chain and Logistics Issues
High transportation costs, customs delays, and unreliable logistical networks further complicate cross-border efforts.
Despite women-led businesses accounting for only 15.4% of Indiaâs 58.5 million enterprises, their growth potential via international markets is clearâif these systemic barriers can be addressed.
Possible Paths Forward
- Ecosystem Support Initiatives:
Removing obstacles in payment systems, regulation, and logistics is crucial. Building an inclusive infrastructure could enable scale and potentially transform how women-led businesses operate globally. - Targeted Programs like SheExports:
Programs like SheExports, backed by payment solution providers, are stepping in with expert support, local workshops, and tailored tools to empower women entrepreneurs in cross-border commerce.
Snapshot Overview
| Issue | Women-Led Enterprises in India |
| International Payment Challenges | ~80% face difficulties |
| Regulatory/Compliance Hurdles | ~60% struggle with complex rules |
| Share of Total Enterprises | 15.4% of Indiaâs ~58.5 million businesses |
| Other Key Barriers | Funding constraints, payment delays, logistics issues |
Why This Matters
These findings spotlight a pressing need to rethink the support systems for women entrepreneurs aiming to go global. With most facing multi-faceted barriers, targeted interventionsâsuch as streamlined payment infrastructure, regulatory simplification, and assistance in supply chain logisticsâare critical to unlocking their full economic potential.
Would you like to explore specific strategies currently being implemented, global comparisons, or potential policy models to support women-led businesses in global trade? Just let me know!
