As a woman in an industry dominated by men, I want to achieve great heights, but challenges are always there

As a woman in an industry dominated by men, I want to achieve great heights, but challenges are always there

Winners don’t do different things, but they do things differently

In world where the unprecedented success of startups has taken over, there is always a question of who will win in this rat race and lead to the top. We all live in an illusionistic world where people believe in what they see and choosing the safe route is not being selfish but a trend now. This implies not just for people who want to apply for the big corporations to gain job security, but also for the creators of new companies who began their companies at the doorsteps of their homes.

You might be wondering why I am saying all this. The reason is very simple: I am a girl in this big world. I want my voice to be heard. I want to dream big and achieve great heights. But can I?

Being raised up in nations like Saudi Arabia and India, I have truly developed a sense of “feminism” in me. And to top it all up being a business student and seeing female entrepreneurs not only inspires me but motivates me, as well.

It is often cited that 90% of the startups fail, and only 10% succeed — and it can be more challenging for women. Women want to start something new, and not face the stereotypical views of society and challenges in terms of gender biases. The main question any woman trying to start her company is asked about are these: stability, safety, and security. In contrast, perhaps for men, they are asked about: prosperity, growth and goals.

Also read: Women-led ventures make up only 22 per cent of accelerator participants in Indonesia: Report

But now, things are changing in our ecosystem, particularly as technology matures. Women are adapting, adjusting, and swaying ourselves to every obstacle on our way and joining the competition. I am a true believer in the quote “Winners don’t do different things, but they do things differently.” Women are no less than winners. We are working hard and Overcoming all the hindrances to become winners in the whole ecosystem still dominated by men.

The sheer examples of this could of people like Emily Weiss, who started her brand Glossier, which is currently the biggest female started start-up in 2018 — which raised 24 million dollars in funding. Among my personal favourites is Falguni Nayyar, who started an online makeup website Nykka in India. Finally there is Richa Kar, who bought a feel of Victoria’s Secret to India for affordable prices. She began an online lingerie brand, which is currently one of the biggest online shopping portal for women in India.

If you are a girl reading this and have a spark of idea inside your head, don’t overthink through it. If these ladies could succeed, then why can’t you? Speak it out, and make the world hear you. What matters about having an idea is how you come and execute it. No other aspect should stop you from thinking big and bolder. You should be driven to be part of this huge ecosystem that unfolds itself as a cloud of ideas and innovations. As we all know that is where all the startups begin in the first place.

Also read: Cryptocurrency may be sexist, but it is for women, too

I work on a daily basis contacting different startups and engaging with them. I can see the passion and commitment these people have to to start a new venture of theirs lives. Whether you are male or female and have that same passion, don’t stop yourself whatsoever.

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