Women have emerged as a force to reckon with in the sphere of business and entrepreneurship, in the past decade.

This is evident from some of the large women owned businesses that are adding significantly to Indias economy. Lets take a look at the top ten women owned businesses in the country.

Biocon Limited

This is Indias biggest answer to the fast-growing biotechnology sector in the world. The Chairperson and Managing Director of the company, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, started this venture in a Bangalore garage with an initial capital of Rs. 10,000. Now her company is worth well over $1.2 billion and has the largest statin, insulin and perfusion-based antibody facilities in Asia.

Apeejay: The Park Hotel chain

Priya Paul, the Chairperson of the company, joined her family business when she was 24, after the assassination of her father, Surrendra Paul. Today, under Pauls leadership, the Park Group is all set to launch their tenth boutique hotel in Pune in 2011.

Trent Limited

It is the retail part of one of the largest conglomerate in India, Tata Group. This Rs. 350 crore company is the name behind the popular cosmetic brand, Lakme and the retail chain, Westside. The owner, Simone Tata, is listed as the 11th most powerful women in India.

Balaji Telefilms

Undoubtedly the most popular production house in India, Balaji Telefilms practically gave the television a makeover. By producing trend-setting soaps and movies, this is one of the most powerful women owned businesses in India (owned by Ekta Kapoor).

Shahnaz Herbal Inc

The CEO of this enterprise, Shahnaz Hussain, gave a new meaning to holistic treatment by manufacturing 100% herbal products in the land of Ayurveda. Today, this company operates in over 138 nations with over 600 active franchise clinics.

Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad

The story behind the beginning of this company is the most cited example in any discussion about women owned businesses in India. Started by a group of seven women on the terrace of a Mumbai chawl, this Rs. 650 crore organization now stands tall as an icon of sheer woman-power.

Kinetic Motor Company Limited and Kinetic Marketing Services Limited

No introduction is needed for this two-wheeler manufacturer. Sulajja Firodia Motwani is the name to reckon with in these women owned businesses, who is also made the Joint Managing Director of Kinetic Engineering Limited.

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE)

This Chennai-based tractor and other farm equipment manufacturer is the largest of its kind in the nation. Mallika Srinivasan is the Director of this organization whose contributions have made the companys profits jump from Rs. 85 crore to a massive Rs. 2900 crore.

AZB & Partners

Zia Modys strategic contributions to this top corporate law firm of India have made it scale great profits and success. She has also been awarded as the Best Knowledge Manager by Financial Express.

Escolife

Raj Kapoors daughter, Karishma and Kareena Kapoors aunt and mother-in-law of Amitabh Bachchans daughter, Shweta, Ritu Nanda is also Indias most powerful insurance advisor and the CEO of Escolife. Under her tutelage, this woman owned business has scaled such success that very few companies of its category have ever seen. So, dont let your gender bog you down if you have a dream of starting your own business. All these women have one thing in common determination, which is the essence for success in anyones life.