Women own about 38% of registered MSMEs: 3.69 crore units
25 October 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on IBEF, 16 October 2026. Summarised in our own words.
3.69 crorewomen-owned MSMEs
38%of registered MSMEs (approx.)
22% to 38.8%female worker population ratio
A 16 October 2026 IBEF report says women own about 3.69 crore MSMEs, roughly 38% of registered units. It also says the share of women who are working (worker population ratio) rose from 22% to 38.8%, and labour force participation from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025.
What this means
More women are working and running businesses, though the numbers include a lot of small and home-based work. The report points to enterprise and skilling schemes as part of the push. We did not find a breakdown of how many of these units are formal employers.
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- If you want to start small, check MSME (Udyam) registration, which is free on the official portal.
- Do not pay agents for registration.
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SourcesIBEF: Women's workforce participation rises to 40%HireHo explains these reports in its own words. Figures belong to the sources above.
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