Why Mentorship Matters: The Growing Need for Women-to-Women Entrepreneurial Support

“Women entrepreneurs in India are rising faster than ever, yet many of them still walk their journeys without guidance. Most are first-generation founders, balancing career ambitions with family expectations, financial uncertainty and the constant pressure to prove themselves. In this landscape, women-to-women mentorship is not just helpful, but transformative. As a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Managing Director, Vencer Hospital, I regularly meet young women doctors, managers and aspiring founders who are talented, hardworking and full of vision. What they often lack is not intelligence or drive, but a relatable role model who understands the invisible battles women face. A woman mentor who has experienced similar challenges can provide clarity, courage and the kind of reassurance that turns hesitation into confidence.

“Women entrepreneurs matter because every woman’s journey has something to offer and holds some powerful lessons that can change someone else’s path. In every industry, you will find women who carry extraordinary responsibilities and take risks quietly. This is when mentorship becomes important and women do not just need direction; we need someone who understands the emotional weight behind our choices and someone who has walked through chaos and still chooses compassion. Women-to-women creates an ecosystem where it nurtures long-term relationships. The most meaningful support often comes from someone who knows what it feels like to build in uncertainty, to navigate bias, and to hold families together while holding dreams upright. Mentors become anchors steady, patient, and present, especially during the moments when giving up feels easier than moving forward.

It is powerful when women stand beside each other and the way we serve people in their most vulnerable moments. When support is rooted in empathy, the journey becomes less isolating and more empowering. Mentorship turns resilience into shared strength and transforms personal experience into confidence for someone else. When women uplift women, we don’t just shape better entrepreneurs; we build a culture where trust grows, courage expands, and success becomes something we rise into together, not alone.”

“While technology has advanced and awareness of women’s issues has grown, the support systems around women have remained largely the same. If anything, women are doing more than ever at work while still holding their ground at home.

The internet has helped surface inspiring stories of women from different corners of the world, economic strata and, industries but women entrepreneurs need more than visibility. They need guidance from those who have walked the path. This is where women-to-women mentorship becomes powerful in ways that formal training cannot deliver. It creates a trusted space where experience meets ambition, helping women work through complex decisions, stay steady in uncertainty and build confidence that lasts. It also opens doors to valuable connections, insights, and real-world expertise that directly influence professional and business results.”