Gujarat, one of India’s most industrially developed states, has failed to secure a place among the country’s top 10 states in terms of women-owned industrial enterprises, highlighting a significant gender gap in entrepreneurship despite the state’s robust industrial ecosystem.
According to official data released on the occasion of MSME Day, Gujarat has 39,076 women-owned industrial enterprises, placing it behind states such as Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, all of which have reported a higher number of industrial units owned by women.
The figures reveal a striking contrast between Gujarat’s overall industrial growth and women’s participation in the sector. While the state continues to attract investment and register new businesses at a rapid pace, women entrepreneurs account for only a small share of the state’s industrial landscape.
Ahmedabad Leads Industrial Registrations
District-wise data shows that Ahmedabad continues to dominate Gujarat’s industrial sector with the highest number of registered industrial units, followed by Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Mehsana, Kutch, Bharuch, and Jamnagar.
The report also indicates that Gujarat’s industrial ecosystem is overwhelmingly driven by micro enterprises, which account for more than 20.61 lakh registered units. In comparison, the state has only around 23,700 small enterprises and 4,700 medium enterprises, underscoring the crucial role played by micro businesses in Gujarat’s economy.
Industrial Growth Continues
Despite lagging in women-led entrepreneurship, Gujarat has maintained a strong pace of industrial expansion. The total number of registered industrial units has steadily increased over the past few years, rising from 2.43 lakh units in 2020-21 to 6.83 lakh units in 2025-26.
The state also ranks sixth in the country in terms of registrations of new industrial enterprises during the past year, reflecting continued business activity and investment.
Need for Greater Participation of Women
Industry experts believe Gujarat’s strong industrial infrastructure provides immense opportunities for women entrepreneurs. However, they point out that challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of business networks, inadequate mentorship, and social barriers continue to restrict women’s participation in manufacturing and industrial businesses.
They suggest that targeted government support, easier credit availability, entrepreneurship development programmes, skill training, and market linkages could significantly improve women’s representation in the industrial sector.
As Gujarat continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading industrial hubs, the data serves as a reminder that achieving inclusive economic growth will require greater participation of women in entrepreneurship and industrial development.
Also Read: Gujarat’s Earthquake Risk Reassessed: Kutch Tops, Ahmedabad At Risk https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-earthquake-risk-new-seismic-study-kutch-ahmedabad-rajkot/
