According to latest economic census
Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of women entrepreneurs in the country. The state is home to 10.9 lakh (13.5%) women entrepreneurs,most of whom operate their enterprises with their own funds or with donations from NGOs and other sources. Kerala comes next with 11.3% of the country’s women entrepreneurs.
Business economist Raman Mahadevan said that “Many women in Tamil Nadu head households as men migrate for work. After Kerala, many men from Tamil Nadu work in Gulf countries.” As per 2011 census, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have maximum number of households headed by single women.
Mahadevan further added that “While on their own, women start small businesses like rolling beedis or manufacturing masalas. This is one of the prime reasons for the state having such a huge number of women entrepreneurs.”
Women entrepreneurs also include those who head self-help groups. “Women-led SHGs in the state are involved in
handlooms, detergent making and in the leather industry,” said Mahadevan. They invest their savings and seek support from family or friends,” he said.
