For years, women have been seen as careful savers rather than strategic investors. But that’s changing, and fast! Women today are not just managing household budgets—they’re investing, making financial decisions, and shaping their financial futures. If you’ve been thinking about taking charge of your money, now is the perfect time!
Women and Financial Independence:
Financial independence isn’t just about earning money—it’s about managing and growing it too. According to the CRISIL and DBS report, 47% of women now make financial decisions on their own, and this percentage only increases with age.
Even more exciting? 55% Self-employed women are more likely to make independent financial choices than 39% of salaried women.
What is the Role of Finance in Women’s Empowerment?
Traditionally, many women preferred to keep their money in savings accounts and fixed financial instruments. While these options feel safe, they don’t offer much growth. Now, more women are exploring investments in mutual funds.
- Women have allocated 15% of their financial investments to mutual funds, compared to just 8.4% for overall Indian households.
- Self-employed women show an even greater interest in mutual funds, investing 17% of their money in these instruments.
This shift shows that women are ready to take calculated risks and grow their wealth over time. Mutual funds are no longer just a ‘men’s game’—women are confidently joining in!
Financial Inclusion in the Mutual Fund Space!
The mutual fund industry has seen exponential growth, crossing the ₹50 lakh crore mark, and women have been a significant part of this rise. While the overall share of women’s portfolios has remained steady in recent years, their assets under management (AUM) have grown from 15% in 2017 to nearly 21% in December 2023.
What’s even more interesting? Women from smaller towns are investing at a faster rate than their urban counterparts. This shows that the financial empowerment of women is spreading beyond metro cities, making investing more inclusive and accessible.
Young Women Are Driving the Change
It’s not just older, experienced women who are investing—nearly 50% of women mutual fund investors fall in the 25-44 age group. Younger women are seeing the benefits of investing early, which means they are setting themselves up for long-term financial security.
Although more women are becoming independent investors, many still rely on trusted sources for advice.
- 47% of women depend on family members for financial guidance.
- 27% seek help from financial consultants or chartered accountants.
This highlights the need for more accessible financial education and digital literacy so that women can make informed investment decisions without solely depending on others.
The Role of Women in Financial Distribution
Not only are women investing more, but they’re also helping others do the same! The number of active women mutual fund distributors has steadily risen since 2017, reaching nearly 21,000 registrations as of December 2023.
Women empowerment in finance creates a supportive and encouraging environment, making it easier for more women to step into the world of investing.
The Future is Female:
Women are no longer just passive participants in financial decisions—they are active investors, wealth builders, and financial planners. If you’re still hesitant about investing, take this as a sign to start! Whether you’re a working professional, an entrepreneur, or a homemaker, taking control of your finances means taking control of your future.
If you’re a woman still hesitating to invest, one of the best ways to start your journey is through a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) in mutual funds. SIPs offer a simple and disciplined way to grow your wealth over time while reducing risks through regular investments. But if you’re still unsure where to begin, consulting a Financial Product Distributor can help you choose the right investment options suited to your needs.
By taking charge of the finances today, women are not just securing their future - But redefining financial empowerment for generations to come. The time to invest is now!
Source: AMFI Women Mutual Fund Growth
Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.