Direct selling is often seen as an unconventional path when choosing a career. Initially, it was mostly a male-dominated industry with fewer women opting to become direct sellers. However, over the years, the number of women in direct selling has been increasing. Direct selling doesn’t just provide opportunities for men, it also presents the same opportunities for women. This includes women from various backgrounds, responsibilities and walks of life.
Direct selling is a great platform for women who would like to have the opportunity to choose their own working hours. The industry provides every woman with a chance to be her own boss. This article is a tribute to all the women who chose to break all biases and embrace direct selling. We will further understand how QNET’s direct selling opportunity supports the cause of women empowerment in India.
Breaking the bias with direct selling
India is a country with predefined gender roles. In most areas, society dictates the norms. Men are expected to be the breadwinners and earn for the family, while the women stay back home and are preordained to become homemakers. Here are some global facts published on the official United Nations (UN) website –
- In 18 countries, husbands can legally prevent their wives from working
- In 39 countries, daughters and sons do not have equal inheritance rights
- 49 countries lack laws protecting women from domestic violence.
However, change is inevitable. Women empowerment is a movement to promote gender equality, encouraging women to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights. We must understand that women empowerment is not a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a sustainable and prosperous country.
Over the years, there has been significant progress, with more women going to schools and fewer women being forced to get married. The progress is also reflected in various sectors, with women going from stride to stride with men. Direct selling has seen its share of rise in the number of women adopting direct selling as a profession and making their ventures successful. A WFDSA report claims that 53% of the total direct sellers in the Indian direct selling industry are women. They have served as an example to individuals who shed their biases and continue taking necessary actions.
Let’s understand the role direct selling plays in empowering women in India.
How does QNET direct selling contribute to women empowerment in India?
Direct selling is one of those industries that is not defined by caste, creed, socio-economic background or gender. Women empowerment is crucial for QNET. In the past couple of decades, women joining QNET direct selling have been on the rise. Many women have become successful and are empowering others through their journey.
Here are a few ways QNET direct selling plays a crucial role in women empowerment in India –
1) Financial Independence minus gender bias
One major aspect that hinders women from imposing themselves in society is not having opportunities to support themselves financially. Even today, a majority of women depend on men to support them.
With the advent of technology, employment opportunities have become more accessible. In fact, direct selling is one of those opportunities that are accessible to everyone regardless of gender. It is an industry that provides equal opportunities for both men and women. There has been a significant rise in the number of women taking up direct selling and making themselves financially independent. Now it is possible for women to become successful in direct selling without the fear of any biases.
Inspirational VP Kavita Sugandh says – “Success doesn’t see gender. It comes to those who put their blood and sweat into it and are deserving of it”.
Here is a recent interview of VP Kavita Sugandh published in a Hindi journal called ‘Pioneer’ on International Women’s Day –