💼 Despite Schemes, Women Entrepreneurs Still Face a Credit Roadblock

India has made significant strides in promoting women-led entrepreneurship. Yet, the numbers tell a different story.

🚺 Only 20% of all registered MSMEs in India are led by women—despite flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India, which promise collateral-free loans and credit support.

Why is this gap persisting?

🔍 A closer look reveals a stark credit gap. According to SIDBI, women entrepreneurs receive only ₹65 for every ₹100 they request in loans. In contrast, male entrepreneurs experience a smaller gap of around 20%.

📉 This isn’t just a financial statistic—it represents:

Missed opportunities for economic growth

Increased reliance on informal credit sources

A higher risk of financial vulnerability and exploitation for women

🧾 Root causes of this credit disconnect:

Lack of assets or collateral in women’s names

Gender biases in lending institutions

Low financial literacy and awareness about schemes

Perception that women-led enterprises are “riskier” or less profitable

We cannot allow systemic gaps to hold back half of India’s entrepreneurial talent.

📣 The solution lies in:

Simplifying access to credit under existing schemes

Sensitising bank staff to reduce gender bias

Promoting awareness about financial schemes at the grassroots level

Strengthening handholding and documentation support for first-time women entrepreneurs

✨ Women don’t need more promises. They need access, trust, and timely capital. The time to act is now.

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