Women And Wealth: Tapping Into The Gender Inclusion Megatrend

Across the world, the role of women in the economy is growing significantly. Women are leading businesses, managing family finances, and making financial decisions. The rise of women investing in India, building businesses, and using digital finance tools is shaping what is dubbed as the ‘SHEconomy’.

This growing trend is not only transforming economies but can also offer long-term opportunities for investors. In fact, gender inclusion is now recognised as a megatrend—a powerful, structural shift reshaping economies, industries, and societies over decades. For investors, aligning with such megatrend themes offers the potential to participate in long-term growth stories driven by deep-rooted demographic and behavioural changes.

Let’s look at how gender inclusion is changing the face of the economy and creating potential opportunities across sectors.

• Table of contents

• Gender equality economic impact
• Women are joining the workforce and starting businesses
• Rise of women investors and fintech solutions
• Government and policy shifts are creating support systems
• Investing in companies focused on diversity and inclusion
• Conclusion: Women and wealth is a megatrend to watch

Gender equality economic impact

When more women participate in the economy, it can contribute to stronger, more stable growth. Global studies, including those by the IMF1 and McKinsey2, show that closing the gender gap in work and wages could boost overall income and productivity. This is why the economic impact of gender equality is seen as a structural and financial force.

• More women in jobs can mean higher household income and better living standards.
• Diverse teams in companies are associated with better performance and decision-making.
• Women tend to invest in family, education, and health, creating long-term positive impact.
• More financial power in women’s hands means greater demand for products and services.

This shift is backed by education, urbanisation, and changing mindsets, making it a long-lasting theme worth tracking.

Also Read: Why Mutual Funds Are A Great Investment Option For Women

Women are joining the workforce and starting businesses

In recent years, more women have begun working in formal sectors, running businesses, and managing income independently. Some trends that are emerging:

• Women are starting small businesses, especially in retail, education, health, and services.
• Women-led businesses in India are gaining attention and support, especially in urban areas and smaller towns.
• The gig economy is offering flexible work, which can suit women balancing home and career.
• Access to mobile phones and digital platforms has helped women join the economic mainstream.

All these shifts are slowly increasing women’s role in domestic wealth creation and economic decision-making.

Rise of women investors and fintech solutions

A significant change is reflected in how women are managing and growing their own money. From savings to stocks, women investing in India is an emerging trend.

• More women are opening demat accounts3 and investing in mutual funds and stocks4.
• Fintech platforms are offering easy-to-use apps with content in local languages.
• Digital tools are helping women track expenses, plan for goals, and build wealth step by step.
• Social media and women-led finance communities are encouraging open conversations around money.

This shift is making financial inclusion for women a practical reality. Moreover, it is opening up a growing market for fintech players, banks, and wealth-tech startups.

Government and policy shifts are creating support systems

The government has also taken many steps to support gender inclusion in the economy.

• MUDRA loans: These small loans have helped women start or expand micro-businesses.
• Self-help groups (SHGs): Women’s SHGs are active in many states, helping members save, lend, and build skills.
• Maternity reforms: Better leave policies and workplace rules are helping women stay in the workforce longer.
• Skill and digital training: Several government and NGO programmes now focus on digital literacy and vocational skills for women.

These policies create an environment where women can grow financially with greater confidence and support.

Also Read: Mutual fund investment guide for women

Investing in companies focused on diversity and inclusion

The economic benefits of gender equality are a social good, while also increasingly viewed as part of a sustainable investment strategy. Companies that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are often associated with better team dynamics, lower risk, and stronger customer loyalty.

Some opportunities investors can consider:

• Firms that support financial inclusion for women, like digital lending or insurance for underserved women.
• Companies run by women or with strong women leadership teams.
• Startups building solutions for women’s health, education, and safety.
• Businesses that supply goods or services to women-led businesses in India.

Mutual funds and global ETFs focused on the SHEconomy can also give investors access to this rising theme.

Conclusion: Women and wealth is a megatrend to watch

The future of money is more inclusive, digital, and balanced. As women earn more, invest more, and lead more, the economic landscape is set to shift in a big way. The SHEconomy is a powerful movement backed by data, behaviour change, and policy support.

For investors, tapping into the rise of women investing in India, women-led businesses in India, and inclusive platforms offers exposure to a theme with both long-term return potential and meaningful impact.

Sources:

1. IMF, How to Close Gender Gaps and Grow the Global Economy (2022)
2. McKinsey Global Institute, The Power of Parity (2015)
3. Women and Men in India, 2024, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
4. Mutual Growth, March 2024, AMFI & CRISL

At Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Ltd, we aim to harness the power of megatrends by offering investors access to themes shaping the world’s future — from clean energy to technology, innovation, demographic shifts and more. Many of our funds follow a megatrends investment approach to help you participate in these long-term shifts, with a focus on growth potential and diversification. Build your future-focussed portfolio with Bajaj Finserv AMC.

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