STARTUP INDIA AND WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The importance of entrepreneurship in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and advancing socioeconomic development is becoming more widely acknowledged. However, cultural norms, financial restrictions, and a lack of support for entrepreneurs continue to be major obstacles for women entrepreneurs in India, which leads to their underrepresentation in the startup ecosystem. In order to rectify these disparities, the Indian government started the Startup India program in 2016 to foster an atmosphere that encourages news businesses, particularly those run by women.

This systematic literature review (SLR) analyse 25 peer-reviewed scholarly works, government reports, and policy papers produced between 2016 and 2025 to investigate Startup India’s role in assisting female entrepreneurs. According to the study, the program has improved exposure and opportunity for women-led businesses, especially in service-oriented and technology-driven industries, and it has made it easier for them to access networks, training, and institutional support.

There are still structural issues in spite of these developments. Social standards, financial exclusion, lack of mentorship, gendered expectations, and restricted scalability all continue to impede the expansion and long-term viability of women-owned businesses. In order to overcome sociocultural hurdles, the results highlight the necessity of more inclusive financing structures, customized mentorship programs, and community-based initiatives.

This study adds to the conversation about entrepreneurship and gender by highlighting policy implications and summarizing recent studies. It ends with suggestions for enhancing women’s involvement in India’s startup scene in order to support equitable and long-term economic development.