Finding My Tribe: How Female-Powered Network Boosts Workplace Diversity

For centuries, women's lives have been intricately interwoven with the thread of community — a unique force propelling collaboration and fostering support. Across diverse sectors, women have found solace and empowerment in communal bonds, recognising the vital role such connections play in both professional networks and personal development. 

Within the startup community, the term "networking" often carries weight, symbolising a sought-after yet elusive asset.

Unbeknownst to many, networking has emerged organically as a powerful by-product of these collective ties. Women in the startup space are reshaping the narrative, injecting a diversity of voices into an ecosystem once characterised by uniformity. Over the past decade, conversations around inclusion have dismantled traditional barriers, thrusting women from the sidelines of entrepreneurship and investment into the forefront.

The Women in India's Startup Ecosystem Report by WISER underscores this paradigm shift, revealing an inspiring 18% surge in women-led ventures over the last five years. This tangible change is propelled by the ascent of robust, female-powered networks, marking a transformative era in the startup landscape.

While actively immersed in the dynamic landscape of the startup ecosystem, it is evident that fostering a robust community of women and with it, building a network, yields several discernible benefits:

Building on lived experiences

The driving force behind these female-powered networks lies in the strength derived from the practical wisdom of women who have traversed the intricate path of entrepreneurship. Their lived experiences serve as a wellspring of invaluable insights, positioning them as mentors and guides for future generations. Beyond mere business acumen, the unique advantage of mentorship from female leaders lies in the shared experiences, creating a connection that transcends professional boundaries and delves into the nuanced interplay between ambition, emotion, and personal realities. Communities like Ladies Who Lead are providing platforms for women to connect, learn, and experience growth through collaborative experiences in their respective fields.

Unlocking the power of collaboration

These networks extend beyond mentorship; they thrive on collaboration. By seamlessly connecting female founders, investors, and industry leaders, they unlock doors to once inaccessible opportunities. For instance, raising funds has been a consistent pain point for female founders. However, as the ecosystem evolves and knowledge-sharing platforms gain momentum, growth opportunities have increased multifold. Data collated by startup tracking firm Traxcn quantifies this.

As per the platform, from 2014 to 2023, 25% of women-led startups received funding, while the general pool’s funding during the same period was just about 9%. Beyond funding, these networks help diversify the talent pool and democratise opportunities for a broader spectrum of talented women, thus showcasing that the impact of these networks radiates beyond immediate circles.  

The imperative of nurturing and encouraging networks

At the heart of this transformative movement is the imperative to empower voices, foster collaboration, and amplify diversity. The tangible outcomes include a more inclusive workforce, a rise in female leadership, and an ecosystem brimming with fresh ideas and diverse perspectives.

Looking ahead, the strategic imperative lies in nurturing and reinforcing these networks. By ensuring that every voice is heard, every challenge finds a solution, and every woman finds her rightful place at the forefront of the entrepreneurial revolution, we collectively unlock the full potential of a genuinely inclusive and vibrant startup ecosystem.

Upasna Dash is the founder and CEO of Jajabor Brand Consultancy. Views expressed by the author are their own