IWD V: Biases In Financial Institutions & Investor Perceptions Can Lead To Unequal Opportunities For Women-Led Businesses – Neeti Sharma, Director, Intrepid Marketing & Communications

For decades, women have achieved remarkable milestones, shaping not only the landscape of travel and tourism but also leaving indelible marks across economic, political, and social spheres simultaneously. Their contributions resonate as pillars of progress and empowerment. On International Women’s Day, T3 takes the opportunity to draw a spotlight on our women readers from cross-section of the industry. Neeti Sharma, Director at Intrepid Marketing and Communications Pvt Ltd shares her views with T3.

Challenges towards a healthy ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in the tourism domain:

Several hindrances impede the creation of a healthy ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in tourism. The first one being biases in financial institutions and investor perceptions that can lead to unequal opportunities for women-led businesses. There is also gender biases prevailing in society. Work life balance is difficult to achieve especially due to irregular hours and extensive travel.

Message for budding women entrepreneurs

My message for the budding women entrepreneurs in the tourism domain would be to ask them to create a business support system and not to shy away from asking for help. Invest time to enhance skills in technology and the digital space. Set a work life balance to avoid energy burn out. Last but not the least, don’t lose sight of your goals and combat failures with renewed determination.