Tag: women

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Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Recipes for Busy Women on the Go

Micromanaging housework and making healthy meals for family members while juggling a work schedule is nearly impossible without some assistance.

Biswarup Chatterjee, executive chef at Hilton Garden Inn, New Delhi, shared helpful advice and recipes for women on the go who want to maintain a healthy diet while advancing in other areas of their lives.

Try the following recipe to enhance your holistic diet experience:

Aushadhi Concoction

Ingredients:

•             10 gms Ashoka

•             10 gms Shatavari

•             10 gms Ashwagandha

•             10 gms Lodhra

•             10 gms Garcinia

•             01gms Saffron

•             10 gms Lemon grass stem

•             15 gms Turmeric fresh

Method:

•             Take 500 ml of water and soak all the ingredients overnight. Boil everything together for at least 10 minutes and strain it through a muslin cloth. Enjoy hot.

Raggi Idly Burger

Ingredients:

•             500 gms Raggi flour

•             10 gms Yeast

•             1 kg Soya chunks

•             500 gms Grated fresh coconut

•             50 gms Roasted chana dal

•             20 gms Green chilly

•             5 gms Black mustard seeds

•             300 gms Lactose-free cheese

•             200 gms Rocket lettuce

•             200 gms Tomatoes

•             200 gms Chipotle mayonnaise

•             50gms Onions red

•             30 gms Garlic peeled

•             50 gms Cajun spice

•             200 ml Olive oil

•             Salt as per taste

Method:

•             For raggi idly make a batter of raggi and 300 ml of water and yeast. Cover it with a plastic wrap and keep it overnight to ferment. Use an idly mould and steam the idly.

•             Take 100 ml of olive oil in a pan, add onion and garlic and sauté till translucent. Add the soya chunks in that and keep cooking for 10 minutes and add Cajun spice and salt as per taste.

•             Continue cooking till all the water has been absorbed. Run the mixture through a mincer to get it finer and make patties of 150 gms each. Grill the patties in a pan till it gets crisp from outside.

•             For the coconut chutney- Take 50 ml olive oil in a pan add mustard seeds, chana dal & green chillies and sauté it. In a mixer grinder add the mixture and fresh grated coconut and bled it with 50 ml of water.

•             Arrange the burger- Spread the chipotle mayo on the idly and top it up with, tomato slice patty, rocket lettuce & cheddar cheese.

•             Serve the idly burger with freshly grated coconut chutney.

Norwegian Salmon Gravlax & Sous Vide Egg Benedict

Ingredients:

•             500 gms Salmon fillet

•             10nos Organic eggs

•             250 gms Lactose-free butter

•             250 gms Multigrain loaf

•             100 ml Olive oil

•             20 gms Crushed pepper

•             20 gms Dill leaves

•             30 gms Lemon juice

•             500 gms Himalayan pink salt

•             400 gms Sugar

•             Salt as per taste

Method

•             Marinate the salmon with dill leaves and lemon juice. And cover it completely with sugar and Himalayan salt and keep it for 24 hours.

•             Remove the salt and sugar coating and the moisture released from the fillet. Dry it completely using a paper towel. Slice it thinly.

•             Sous vide 5 eggs using sous vide machine and food-grade plastic bags at 70 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes.

•             Make hollandaise sauce using lactose-free butter, lemon juice, and crushed black pepper.

•             Toast the multi-grain bread in olive oil, and top it with sliced salmon, eggs and hollandaise sauce. Use a dill leaf for garnishing.

Hair Bless Granola Bar

Ingredients

•             100 gms Almond

•             100 gms Peanuts skin less

•             100 gms Walnuts

•             250 gms Sunflower seeds

•             50 gms Flax seeds

•             100 gms Rolled oats

•             100 gms Cornflakes

•             100 gms Fruit loops

•             200 ml Floral honey

•             15 gms Cinnamon powder

•             100 gm Brown sugar

•             200 gms Mixed dried berries

Method

•             Crush the sunflower seeds and remove the outer shells, take all the nuts and seeds in a tray and toast it. Crush the mixture roughly and keep it aside.

•             In a pan take honey, sugar and cinnamon powder and cook it until it gets lightly caramelised. Mix everything and roll it into a slab. Bake it at 140 degrees centigrade for 15 minutes and let it cool.

•             Cut it into a bar shape and serve.

Raspberry Indulgence

Ingredients:

•             500 gms Sugarfree dark chocolates

•             1 L Almond milk

•             100 gms Fresh raspberry

•             250 gms Cream cheese

•             100 gms Icing sugar

•             200 gms Oats

•             150 gms Dry berry powder

Method:

•             Blend all the aforementioned ingredients till it becomes smooth. Garnish with fresh raspberry and icing sugar, and serve it in a glass. The recipe is for a minimum serving of five portions.

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Lite Blogs Woman

Women Entrepreneurs Transforming the Indian Restaurant Industry

Despite their potential and aspirations, small businesses with limited capital often grapple with strategic investment in products and inventories…reports Asian Lite News

 The restaurant industry in India has witnessed a notable increase in women taking charge of cafes, restaurants, kitchens, and eateries, showcasing their culinary expertise and adept management skills. This surge is attributed to many women stepping into these roles, driving the growth of women entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry.

Driven by India’s unique demographic advantage, it is becoming more diverse with an increasing number of women initiating their ventures or managing existing ones. According to a report from the last two years suggest that women are more likely to start a business than men. Despite anecdotal evidence indicating that women-led businesses are often highly successful, they are less likely to survive. Government initiatives have also played a pivotal role in supporting women entrepreneurs. 

However, the journey is particularly challenging for many women entrepreneurs, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities with well-established culinary traditions, where established players dominate, leaving little room for innovation. Food delivery platforms like Swiggy emerge as essential allies, accelerating the ambitions of these entrepreneurs and supporting their need to succeed, grow, and make an impact.

Hear from four incredible women-owned restaurant businesses from across the country.

One such story is Tuljai Swayampak Ghar in Aurangabad, run by Renu Mulik, a visionary young woman who embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Initially, Renu faced challenges in establishing her online business in a competitive environment. She recalls, “I knew nothing about running a business, let alone a restaurant, so when I onboarded with Swiggy I was clueless. But I am thankful to them for patiently teaching me the ways of working. Never did I imagine that life would bring me to this point. Back then I would only receive 3-4 orders from the platform in a day, soon it turned into 18-19 orders and that number kept increasing.”

Despite their potential and aspirations, small businesses with limited capital often grapple with strategic investment in products and inventories. 

Krishnapriya Hariharan, the founder of E=mc2 from Kozhikhode, started to run out with orders clocking no more than 10-15 in a day. Krishnapriya recalls, “Working with Swiggy has benefited us in numerous ways. We are now more aware of our sales and our customers, and the best part is that delivery is handled. Swiggy’s support allowed us to invest more strategically in our products and inventories, helping us regularly update the menu with new dishes over the past two years. This also gave us a chance to develop and launch a new brand, Burg 99, which is exclusively available through Swiggy.”

Similarly, Priya Sharma, Owner of Bonfire Pizza in Rishikesh, shares her journey, “When I started my online venture, we were making just 30 pizzas per month, and I considered quitting. That’s when Swiggy’s Account Managers came to the rescue. With their expert strategies, we started doing 300 pizzas per month. Swiggy’s support renewed my confidence, and I’m now eager to explore more expansion opportunities.”

Managing the complexities of online platforms, from maintaining menus to running ads and meeting customer expectations consistently, is another challenge. 

Owners like Debjani Sahu of Garam Masala in Bhubaneshwar and Suviggya Bansall of Gopaljee Café comments, “We started with small basic checks, ensuring the menu, pricing, and descriptions were updated. Later, when we ran our first campaign – an ad carousel – the business picked up faster. Customer expectations improved as they received what they saw on the app.”

Despite challenges in non-metro areas, quick commerce platforms have emerged as essential allies, empowering visionary women entrepreneurs propelling the growth of dynamic women entrepreneurs in the Indian restaurant industry.

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Woman

More Women Flock to Mutual Funds

What it takes to run a business while we WFH.

According to the talent management platform foundit (formerly Monster jobs), this exponential increase can be attributed to the convenience that the gig economy or the freelancing industry offers to participants…reports Asian Lite News

With improving ease of access to information and technology, more women investors are investing in mutual funds, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) said.

The share of women in mutual funds’ assets under management (AUM) has shot up from 15.2 per cent in 2017 to 20.9 per cent in 2023.

This pace of growth is more prominent in the hinterland as compared to the urban centres, with the share of women’s folios and assets in the B-30 cities increasing from 15 per cent to 18 per cent and from 17 per cent to 28 per cent during the period, respectively, the AMFI said.

The age analysis of women investors indicates that almost 50 per cent of women investors fall in the 25-44 years age group, as compared to around 45 per cent for the overall set of individual investors.

Goa boasts the highest share of women in the mutual fund industry at 40 per cent, followed by the northeastern states with high 30s percentage. Chandigarh, Maharashtra, and New Delhi also have over 30 per cent share of women in the industry’s assets under management, as per the AMFI data.

Most women continue to invest through the regular plan route in mutual funds and stay invested for longer when investing through a mutual fund distributor.

The number of women mutual fund distributors has steadily increased, nearing the 42,000 registration mark as of December 2023, managing over Rs 1 lakh crore in AUM.

Meanwhile, the number of women opting for freelancing jobs in India doubled over the past year, jumping from 4 per cent in February 2023 to 8 per cent in February 2024, a new report showed on Monday.

According to the talent management platform foundit (formerly Monster jobs), this exponential increase can be attributed to the convenience that the gig economy or the freelancing industry offers to participants.

There has also been a 56 per cent increase in jobs for women candidates in February this year when compared to February last year.

“Female workers play a major role in the success of a company. They are proven to be hard-working and creative,” said Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, a Quess company.

“Female leaders often demonstrate transformational leadership qualities, and having more women in a team promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” he added.

Moreover, the report revealed that the IT/Computers-Software sector leads in offering opportunities to women, comprising 36 per cent of its workforce.

The Recruitment/Staffing/RPO sector (24 per cent) has the second-highest share of women in the workforce, followed by the Banking, Financial, Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector (23 per cent).

The participation of women in the workforce has been positive and steady across the metro cities of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune.

In addition, the report suggested that there has been a noteworthy increase in leadership opportunities for women, with 9 per cent of job postings specifically targeted towards leadership positions in February this year.

ALSO READ-UBS Hails Indian Economy

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-Top News Woman

Women Leaders Transforming Political Landscapes

In January 2021, Radhakrishnan, who is a Labour MP right now, was conferred a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award for public service…reports Asian Lite News

Women serve as heads of state and government in only 31 countries with less than one in four serving as cabinet ministers, and just 26.5 per cent of them as MPs in a 21st-century world that speaks of gender equality.

Despite the not-so-impressive numbers, based on a 2023 UN study, women across the world have been emerging as a formidable force in political fora that has long been overpowered by men.

While in India, Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani, and many of their colleagues in the PM Narendra Modi government put in assiduous work to make governance more responsive to women’s interests and needs, their fellow Indian women beyond borders are not far behind.

In the US, Vice President Kamala Devi Harris — born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother — is President Joe Biden’s running mate in this year’s crucial election and could well script history by becoming America’s first woman President, as well as the first of Indian descent.

Till two days back, two-time former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley — born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa to Punjabi Sikh parents — was the last woman standing against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in the 2024 race to the White House. She was also the US Ambassador to the UN under then-President Trump.

Chennai-born Pramila Jayapal is among the five Indian-American lawmakers in the US Congress and represents the 7th Congressional District of Washington. Last year, her sister Susheela Jayapal, launched her congressional bid from the state of Oregon.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Hindu American elected to New York State Office, won the Diwali school holiday in just one legislative session, winning the hearts of the South Asian community in the state.

Last year, Andhra Pradesh-born Aruna Miller scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American politician to be sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor in the state of Maryland.

In Australia, Labour MP Zaneta Mascarenhas became the first person of Goan origin to be elected to the country’s lower house of representatives in 2022 from Swan.

In Australia’s closest neighbour to the east, Priyanca Radhakrishnan became the first person of Indian roots to be named minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities in New Zealand.

Her great-grandfather, Dr C.R. Krishna Pillai, had reportedly been a left-wing leader with the Communist Party and played a key role in Kerala politics.

In January 2021, Radhakrishnan, who is a Labour MP right now, was conferred a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award for public service.

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand, promoted as the President of the Treasury Board in a last year Cabinet reshuffle, was the former Defence Minister of Canada and also served as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement in the past.

Born in 1967 in Nova Scotia to a Punjabi mother and a Tamil father, both physicians, Anita — having worked as a scholar, lawyer and researcher — was first elected as the MP for Oakville in 2019.

Reacting to Justin Trudeau’s allegations of an Indian hand in the murder of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Anita said it was a “very difficult time” to hear the Prime Minister make the remarks, especially for families who come from India.

“I am thinking about my parents, for example, and I think that sentiment is shared by South Asians and families who come from India, regardless of religion,” Anita said, adding that it is “time to let the legal process continue as it must.”

Born to Sikh parents from India, Jyoti Gondek was sworn in as the 37th mayor of Calgary, a city in Canada’s Alberta province, becoming the first woman to be elected to the role in 2021.

In the island nation of Singapore, Indranee Rajah — born to a Tamil father and a Chinese Singaporean mother, entered politics in 2001 and was appointed a minister in the Prime Minister’s office in 2018. She has been serving as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance since 2018 in the city-state.

ALSO READ-UK’s Labour Delegation Visits India to Deepen Ties

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Bollywood Lite Blogs Woman

Empowering Voices

 In a diverse landscape of compelling characters across various platforms, women have taken centre stage, embodying strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. From the powerful Helen Black in Audible’s ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders: Black Widow,’ voiced by Kareena Kapoor Khan to the fearless Sehmat in ‘Raazi,’ on Prime Video, each of them captures the audiences with their indomitable spirits.

Their stories, filled with courage and resilience, serve as a beacon of inspiration, just like this year’s theme of accelerating progress and encouraging women to embrace their strength and forge ahead. Whether they’re fierce warriors or brilliant minds, these women smash stereotypes and teach us how to be badass and stand out on our own. Here are ten remarkable ladies from whom we can draw inspiration this Women’s Day! 

Helen Black voiced by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Lisa Cartwright voiced by Masaba Gupta

Podcast: ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders: Black Widow’
Platform: Audible

Meet Helen Black, a powerful woman bestowed with the power to save the universe voiced by Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Lisa Cartwright, the genius mastermind voiced by Masaba Gupta, who play the role of robust female characters in this podcast series. Helen, a fierce, powerful, and intelligent character clashes with Lisa who doesn’t take herself seriously but is uniquely intuitive and smart. Both the ladies take the lead in their distinct charms assuming the roles of a superhero and spy respectively.  A one-woman deadly fighting force, Helen makes her moves smartly throughout the series, giving the audience a distinct audio experience.

Ash voiced by Prajakta Koli

Podcast: ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders: Hawkeye’

Platform: Audible

With a tale of justice, resilience, and hope, Ash, voiced by Prajakta Koli, plays the role of Hawkeye’s estranged daughter. Her life takes a tragic turn when she loses the love of her life in a sudden accident. Driven by her youth and impulsiveness, she becomes motivated to seek justice, vowing to finish whoever is responsible. Turning to her father for help, she soon discovers that he, too, has a mission of his own. Pooling their motives of hope and vengeance, the series shows the heartwarming relationship between father-daughter duo Ash and Hawkeye as they collaborate to put an end to those manipulating this emerging dystopian era. Tune into this immersive experience of justice only on Audible!

Zarah Kaul voiced by Kubbra Sait

Podcast: ‘Aakhri Sawaal: Interviews Before Execution’

Platform: Audible

To discover unspoken revelations with the fearless Zarah Kaul, don’t forget to tune into the riveting series of ‘Aakhri Sawaal: Interviews Before Execution’ on Audible. The story revolves around the character of psychologist Zarah Kaul who seeks to complete her late father’s unfinished book, ‘Interviews Before Execution.’ With immense bravery and gratitude towards her father, she interviews condemned murderers on death row single-handedly, unravelling the mysteries behind their crimes.

Jenabai voiced by Kalki Koechlin and Gangubai voiced by Radhika Apte

Audiobook: ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’

Platform: Audible

Meet the strong and resilient Mafia Queens, Jenabai and Gangubai, the female dons and masterminds narrated by Kalki Koechlin and Radhika Apte respectively. They bring to life the unforgettable tales of influential women in Indian history. Despite enduring the trauma of sexual assault, in this Audible show, you will know how Jenabai who was the first mafia queen of the Mumbai underworld, climbed her way up in a predominantly male-dominated society; while Gangu finds the inner strength to stand tall and ensures her voice is heard, being a source of inspiration for countless women today.

Kavya Kulkarni voiced by Mithila Palkar

Podcast: ‘Little Things: Jab Dhruv Met Kavya, Season 1’

Platform: Audible

Kavya, a down-to-earth girl, faces life’s challenges with grace and unwavering determination, refusing to compromise on her deeply held values. The podcast narrates the chapters of Kavya and Dhruv’s lives before their paths intertwined, tracing the story of their initial meeting and the journey that led them to become inseparable soulmates. Kavya, narrated by Mithila Palkar, undergoes a remarkable evolution from a nervous individual to a mature and grown-up woman, catalysed by her encounter with Dhruv—the love of her life. As their paths intertwine, Kavya’s character unfolds, revealing layers of patience, love, and newfound wisdom, painting a vivid portrait of her growth into a more self-assured and empowered version of herself.

Amrita Sabharwal played by Taapsee Pannu

Film: ‘Thappad’

Platform: Amazon Prime

In a powerful story, Amrita, a survivor of domestic abuse, bravely refuses to stay silent. When her husband crosses the line by slapping her at a party, she takes a stand for justice. Choosing equality above all, Amrita fearlessly presses charges against him, firmly rejecting his oppressive actions. Her unwavering strength becomes a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the resilience and determination of women who refuse to yield to injustice.

Sehmat Khan Syed played by Alia Bhatt

Film: ‘Raazi’

Platform: Amazon Prime

Introducing Sehmat Khan, a fearless force of courage and sacrifice, where her name becomes synonymous with extraordinary! Once an ordinary college-going girl, she willingly set aside her dreams, youth, and college life to embark on a mission. Her selfless dedication involved providing crucial and confidential information to the Indian Agency, transforming her into a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment to a greater cause. Her role highlighted her utmost sacrifice and dedication to her country.

Vaishali Singh played by Bhumi Pednekar

Film: ‘Bhakshak’

Platform: Netflix

The fearless investigative journalist Vishali Singh brought to life by Bhumi Pednekar in the vibrant city of Patna, brings in her due diligence. In her relentless pursuit to uncover the truth, she faces numerous challenges, from police interference to obstacles posed by child welfare authorities. Undeterred, Vaishali showcases unwavering resilience, refusing to back down until she exposes a horrifying crime within a girls’ shelter home in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

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Education

Empowering Young Women Entrepreneurs

Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: Another key suggestion is to get familiar with financial concepts like budgeting, investment strategies, and business planning…reports Asian Lite News

Gone are the days when women were limited to their households. However, the narrative has shifted nowadays as women are not just thriving in professional roles but also running some of the largest businesses in the world.

Therefore, as we progress towards a more inclusive society, empowering young women to chase that entrepreneurial dream is becoming a fundamental goal. At the same time, it is essential to acknowledge that entrepreneurship is not solely about launching a business; it encompasses a combination of skills and a mindset that comes in handy at different stages in life.

So, to begin this entrepreneurial journey from the young, transformative years, here are crucial skills outlined by Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Editor, of MBD Group & AASOKA to kickstart an aspirational dream.

Creativity and Innovation: Start by looking for opportunities that spark your creativity and problem-solving abilities, encouraging innovation. When we tap into our visionary spirit, it empowers us to confront challenges with a new outlook, paving the way for new ideas and solutions. So, dare to explore, challenge yourself, and unlock the immense potential of the creative side of your brain.

Leadership and Teamwork: Entrepreneurial aspirations often involve leading teams and collaborating with diverse individuals. However, leadership is more than simply guiding others; it involves appropriately assigning responsibilities. That’s why you should actively engage in team efforts, collaborate with others around you, and willingly step out of your comfort zone to take up significant roles. These new experiences not only shape your character but also challenge you to grow, learn, and become a reliable team player while taking on responsibilities. You must learn & understand the importance of such skills during your school years.

Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: Another key suggestion is to get familiar with financial concepts like budgeting, investment strategies, and business planning. These concepts help you to make informed decisions, handle resources wisely, and navigate the complexities of running a venture. Such proficiency sets you up for future success in entrepreneurial efforts.

Communication and Negotiation Skills: The ability to communicate persuasively and negotiate effectively is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship. So, one must emphasize developing public speaking, effective writing, and basic negotiation skills. These competencies will give you the confidence to pitch new ideas and build networks in the future.

Resilience and Adaptability: In the fast-paced business world, you’ll experience a rollercoaster ride — full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Hence, developing a mindset based on resilience, adaptability, and the capability to bounce back from setbacks becomes crucial. Encourage yourself to take calculated risks and remember, each mistake is a chance to learn and grow. Moreover, it is equally important to remain flexible, ready to pivot, and adapt when faced with challenges. Keep pushing yourself to step outside your comfort zone because that is where the magic happens. Take up internships, volunteer with NGOs, and go on field trips to learn practical lessons in dealing with unexpected situations. Such activities will help you learn about stress management, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.

Tech Proficiency and Digital Literacy: In today’s digital age, being proficient in technology is non-negotiable. So, you should explore new-age and tech-based hobbies, such as learning how to code, digital marketing, or trying the latest AI tools. This knowledge will help you stay ahead of the curve and compete on a global stage in the future.

ALSO READ-India’s Education Sector Embraces Digital Revolution

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Lite Blogs Woman

Study: Women Leaders Thrive in Family Businesses

Update your space with a work from home station. (Photo: Unsplash)

This leadership style aligns more closely with Western gender norms that characterize women as more empathetic and cooperative and men as more competitive and aggressive…reports Asian Lite News

Family firms account for more than 70 per cent of the global GDP, and poll statistics reveal that they are significantly more accepting of female leadership: up to 55 per cent have at least one woman on their board, and 70% are considering a woman as their next CEO. Experts attribute the outlier gender parity to a focus on long-term plans or family values.
But a new study, published in the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, suggests that women’s success as leaders in family businesses is deeply rooted in how employees interpret their leadership style.

“Family firms tend to focus on being inclusive and supportive of internal stakeholders, extending the sense of ‘family’ and community,” says Remedios Hernandez-Linares of the Universidad de Extremadura in Spain and one of the study’s authors. “This culture creates a moderating effect for women leaders — their leadership is perceived as relationship-building and values dissemination.”

This leadership style aligns more closely with Western gender norms that characterize women as more empathetic and cooperative and men as more competitive and aggressive. The authors note, however, that women leaders at family businesses are not necessarily more impactful because they conform to gender norms. They thrive because their businesses’ strategies emphasize areas where women are traditionally seen as competent.

“CEOs influence employees’ behaviors via modeling, and leaders who are more credible and legitimate are more effective role models,” says Maria Concepcion Lopez-Fernandez of Universidad de Cantabria in Spain, another of the study’s authors. “Perceived incongruity between female gender roles and leadership roles can lead to prejudice and bias against female leaders.”

The authors specifically dug into how CEOs foster entrepreneurship, a highly masculinized business behavior, within their business culture. They conducted regression analysis on survey data from 322 Spanish small businesses, 198 classified as family firms and 133 as nonfamily. Women represented 20 percent of the CEOs. CEOs ranked their business’s performance on five entrepreneurial traits: risk-taking, innovation, proactiveness, competitiveness, and autonomy. The survey also measured key aspects of social learning at each business, including commitment to learning, shared vision, and open-mindedness.

The analysis showed no direct effect of CEO sex on entrepreneurial orientation, and all aspects of social learning were positively related to entrepreneurship. However, there were marked differences based on CEO sex and whether the organization was a family business.
“It is not male or female leadership per se that predicts a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation, but rather, whether the male or female CEO is leading a family or nonfamily business,” says Kimberly A Eddleston of Northeastern, the study’s third author. “Women leaders at family firms better leverage their business’s commitment to learning and open-mindedness to support entrepreneurship than women leaders at nonfamily firms.”

“Our study therefore suggests that while women have an advantage leading family businesses, gender biases hamper female leaders’ ability to transform learning into greater entrepreneurial orientation in nonfamily business,” added Franz Kellermanns of UNC Charlotte, the study’s final author. The study gives greater context to decades of conflicting research that demonstrates a multitude of business benefits associated with female leadership but also slower growth and lower profits. The key may lie in culture — women can create more impact at businesses that emphasize at least some more traditionally feminine values. The authors also advise that couching their leadership styles in empathy and relationship-building can also help make women business leaders more effective. (ANI)

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Crime India News Woman

Alarming Surge in Sexual Violence Against Women in Lahore

City Division and Sadar Division ranked first and second with eight incidents of mass sexual violence against women and minor girls, respectively…reports Asian Lite News

The incidents of sexual violence against women in Lahore, Pakistan have witnessed a rise.

According to Nai Baat, a Pakistani Urdu newspaper, at least 854 incidents took place in eleven months of this year and the Gender Crime Cell could not achieve any significant success in arresting the accused.

According to police records, 711 incidents of sexual violence against women occurred in six divisions of Lahore during the eleven months of this year, said Nai Baat.

In cases of sexual violence against women, the Cant. Division ranks first with 241 cases, and the Sadar Division ranks second with 197 cases. Model Town Division was third with 139 incidents, Iqbal Town Division was fourth with 57 incidents, Civil Lines Division was fifth with 52 incidents and City Division was sixth with 45 incidents.

City Division and Sadar Division ranked first and second with eight incidents of mass sexual violence against women and minor girls, respectively.

Model Town Division was third with six incidents; Iqbal Town Division was fourth with four incidents; Cant Division and Civil Lines Division were fifth and sixth with three incidents. In cases of sexual violence against young girls, Sadar Division ranks first with 30 cases.

Cant. Division and Model Town Division are second and third, with 22 incidents each. Iqbal Town Division stood fourth with 20 incidents; the City Division stood fifth with 12 incidents; and the Civil Lines Division stood sixth with 5 incidents.

Earlier last week, villagers set ablaze the wheat shortage facility of a farmer who allowed his daughter to study and ride a motorcycle with her younger brothers to school in Ratodero town of Larkana district in Sindh province of Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported on Monday.

It reported that the incident took place in Zangeja village, within the limits of Lashari police station on Sunday.

Aushaq Zangejo alleged that he was threatened by the villagers to stop his daughter Zainab Zangejo from riding the motorbike but he did not pay heed to their warnings.

The girl told the local media that she goes to her high school in Ratodero on the bike and her confidence is disliked in the village. (ANI)

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India News Lite Blogs Woman

KASHMIRI WOMEN: Breaking Barriers for Social and Financial Independence

Shaheena Akhtar: The 'Kani' queen of Kashmir(twitter)

It was quite unlikely for women in Kashmir a few years ago to stand up to patriarchy and start their own businesses. Social media and different government schemes played a crucial role in the transformation …writes Dr Sakariya Kareem  

Women in Kashmir appear to have made significant progress in achieving social and financial empowerment as they are overcoming barriers and creating employment opportunities. Now they are involved in activities ranging from manufacturing to selling local products to working in factories to becoming entrepreneur. Revocation of the Article 370 of the Indian constitution four years ago seems to have had a positive impact of the people of Kashmir. It even led to a decline in Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir. Now there is peace and Kashmiris are living normal life. They are getting well-aligned with the national life and governance, allowing them to reap benefits of the impressive economic growth India is recording.  

Women in Baramulla district which once was infested with Pakistan-backed militant activities now have started jam-making business. Humaira Mohideen represents the story of the resilience and determination of Kashmiri women, who have turned a traditional jam-making process into a brand. “This initiative has given us a chance to support our families and contribute to the local economy. It feels amazing to have a source of income that we can proudly call our own,” she said.   It was quite unlikely for women in Kashmir a few years ago to stand up to patriarchy and start their own businesses. Social media and different government schemes played a crucial role in the transformation.  

Ruhi Jan is among 30 women who travel by bus to work in the Pashmina shawl manufacturing factory. “For ages, women spinners in Kashmir have been used to working from home. It impacted their efficiency, output and earnings. (Factory) is now providing them with safe working environment and better wages,” she said.   Srinagar resident Nava Shah took inspiration from social media to start her pickle business, which gets 70 percent of orders through Instagram. Now she has expansion plans. “We will go into retail business. This will also help us to provide an employment opportunity to Kashmiris who are well qualified but jobless,” she said.               

Kashmir’s Handicrafts and Handloom Department has established a training centre to learn copperware. These women are even provided with a monthly stipend of INR 1,000. Tahmeena Manzoor, a trainee, said “For many of us, this amount means a lot. It is something we don’t have to ask for. It ensures our self-reliance and we see this as our first step towards financial independence and empowerment.”

Now there are women entrepreneurs in Kashmir, who are trying their hands at retail shopping, handicrafts, agriculture, and hospitality, among others. Farzana Gulzar, an associate professor at the University of Kashmir’s Management Studies, said Kashmiri women seek to become financially independent and thus come up with innovative ideas in order to become entrepreneurs. “The women in business trend is on the incline in Kashmir. For centuries, women have battled a stereotype that involves staying home to cook, clean and care for the family. However, a new generation of young female entrepreneurs are overcoming all the challenges,” Gulzar said.  

The government of India is building a women entrepreneur ecosystem to connect, collaborate, and invent for scaling up businesses and building a strong women workforce. Dilshada Bano from North Kashmir received financial assistance under a government scheme named Jammu & Kashmir State Rural Livelihood Mission (JKSRLM). This helped her set up a milk processing unit. Mahmoona Akthar started a mushroom farm with the help JKSRLM after her husband died in an accident. “I decided to stand on my own feet and do something for my family,” she said.       Two Kashmir women raised funding of INR 5 million and INR 2.5 million at an event that was held in collaboration with the New Delhi government. Rahul Narvekar, CEO of start-up platform The India Network, said Kashmiri entrepreneurships’ passion to achieve their goals was inspiring. ”I am truly impressed by the remarkable energy and unwavering determination exhibited by these women entrepreneurs,” he said.   During its recent presidency of G20, the government attempted to open up opportunities for employment and livelihood generation by showcasing millet delicacies and products like handicrafts and pottery to foreign guests. According to the government, the aim was to give exposure to international standards to the Self-Help Group (SHG) women and reinforce the spirit of strength & resilience.

Despite the history of terrorism-led violence and limited access to basic facilities, Kashmiri women have shown remarkable resilience and courage in overcoming the obstacles to their empowerment, said local political activist Safina Baig.  

ALSO READ-‘The Winter Within’ : Unspoken Realities of Kashmir

 

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World Bank Grants $210M to Bangladesh For Women, Children

The project will contribute to early childhood development by supporting the expansion and strengthening of the government’s existing social protection program…reports Asian Lite News

The World Bank has approved 210 million U.S. dollars for a Bangladeshi project to provide cash transfers and counseling services to improve nutrition and directly benefit about 1.7 million pregnant women and mothers of children under four years in vulnerable households.

Under current education and health systems, a child born in Bangladesh would only be 46 percent as productive as they could potentially be, Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, said in a statement Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

“But this can be changed. Ensuring adequate nutrition prenatally and in the first 1,000 days of life, and responsive caregiving throughout childhood, help maximize a child’s brain development and health. This enables them to be more productive and earn more when they grow up. The project will help poor mothers be informed on timely and appropriate care for their children and provide income support to act on that learning to improve their children’s health and wellbeing,” said Seck.

Despite significant gains in human development, poor nutrition and learning poverty among children remain a pressing challenge in Bangladesh and were exacerbated during COVID-19 lockdowns.

This has long-term implications for children’s cognitive development and their future productivity. The project will contribute to early childhood development by supporting the expansion and strengthening of the government’s existing social protection program, the Mother and Child Benefit Program.

Local currency card

Bangladesh on Wednesday launched a local currency card, Taka Pay, the first of its kind in the country, as part of its efforts to build a cashless society.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday inaugurated Taka Pay from her official residence Ganabhaban in capital Dhaka, reports Xinhua news agency.

The card will be issued by the state-owned Sonali Bank and the privately-owned City Bank and Brac Bank in collaboration with the central bank of Bangladesh.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Hasina said this card will be a groundbreaking step for building a cashless society in Bangladesh.

She said as an independent and sovereign country, Bangladesh’s financial system has to be independent and sovereign to reduce dependency on others.

“We must not be dependent on any single hard currency,” she said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need for data security for every holder of the newly introduced debit card.

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