An Instagram post by Delhi-based entrepreneur Divyanshi Dhouni has triggered a wider conversation on gender representation in India’s startup ecosystem, after she pointed out the striking absence of women at a recent startup event she attended.
Sharing snippets from the event, Dhouni described the atmosphere as energetic and inspiring, filled with fresh ideas and ambitious thinking. However, she noted that one detail stayed with her long after the event ended — the lack of female presence. “There were very few women in the room. I could count them on my fingers, maybe five at most,” she wrote.
Importantly, Dhouni clarified that her post was not intended as a complaint, but as an honest reflection. “Everything was inspiring, except the lack of women. Women are building. Women are dreaming. They just need to be seen, invited, and encouraged,” she added.
A reflection, not a complaint
Dhouni’s words resonated with many online, especially women working in technology, startups and early-stage ventures. When asked why she thought so few women were present, she explained that the issue is layered and complex.
“I personally think it’s a mix of many things — social conditioning, lack of encouragement, safety concerns, risk appetite, and fewer visible women role models in early-stage spaces,” she replied in the comments. She emphasised that none of these factors suggest a lack of capability or interest among women.
She also pointed out that she has attended other events where women founders and builders were visible and active, which made the contrast at this particular event more noticeable — and worth reflecting on.
Social media reactions underline shared experiences
The post prompted an outpouring of responses from users who said the observation mirrored their own experiences. One user commented, “We still have a long way to go,” while another said, “The key is to show up even if you are the only woman in the room.”
Others highlighted the need to normalise risk-taking among women, with one comment reading, “We have been conditioned to safeguard ourselves so much that we don’t even know how to take risks. Such an important conversation to have.”
Education and entrepreneurial journey
According to her public profile, Dhouni completed her graduation in Biotechnology from Chandigarh University and later pursued post-graduation through Indira Gandhi National Open University. She founded her company in 2022 and has been actively involved in entrepreneurship and content creation since then.
Her post has since become a talking point, reigniting discussion around inclusion, visibility and encouragement for women in India’s startup spaces — especially at the early stages where networks and exposure matter most.