Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India: The case of Avika. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pathak, Atul Arun; Varshney, Sanjeev
• Other Names: Newbery Robert guest-editor.; Siwale Juliana guest-editor.; Henley Andrew guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of entrepreneurship and innovation. Volume 18:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: rural entrepreneurship -- woman entrepreneur -- India -- social issues; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Business -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship; Business; Periodicals; 338.0405
• DOI: 10.1177/1465750316686245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-7503

Abstract

Malavika Sharma, an Indian woman rural entrepreneur, founded Avika, a venture which produced traditional, hand-embroidered Indian garments. Avika grew rapidly and now provides employment to over 700 rural women. This case highlights various challenges that an entrepreneurial venture run by a woman, in a rural location within a traditional patriarchal society such as India, faces. The case also helps understand the inevitable inter-twining of business and social issues, given the rural context.