The Economic Times Women’s Forum recently brought together leading voices to address a critical yet often overlooked reality: women’s financial independence remains an unfinished journey in many parts of the world, including India. The gathering emphasized that financial empowerment isn’t just about having money—it’s about confidence, knowledge, and the freedom to make decisions.
“Financial independence is the ultimate form of freedom,” noted Falguni Nayar, founder of Nykaa, during her keynote address. “It’s not about the size of your portfolio but your ability to make informed choices without seeking permission.”
The forum tackled head-on the hesitation many women feel when approaching investment decisions. Research presented by Morgan Stanley showed that while women control substantial household spending, they remain underrepresented in investment markets. This gap isn’t due to capability but often stems from societal conditioning that has historically distanced women from financial decision-making.
Experts at the forum emphasized that financial empowerment doesn’t require advanced degrees or complex knowledge. “You don’t need a finance degree or a guru to start investing,” said Priti Rathi Gupta, founder of LXME, India’s first financial platform for women. “What you need is the confidence to take that first step.”
The forum highlighted several practical strategies for women seeking financial independence. Starting small with systematic investment plans (SIPs) emerged as a favored approach. These plans allow investors to commit modest amounts regularly, building the investment habit while minimizing risk.
Diversification also featured prominently in discussions. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” advised Lakshmi Iyer, CEO of Kotak Investment Advisors. “Spreading investments across different asset classes—equity, debt, gold, and real estate—creates resilience against market fluctuations.”
Digital platforms received particular attention for their role in democratizing investment access. With user-friendly interfaces and educational resources, these platforms have made financial markets more accessible to women who might otherwise feel intimidated by traditional investment channels.
The psychological aspects of financial decision-making dominated several panel discussions. Behavioral economists at the forum noted that women often exhibit investment traits that yield strong long-term results: patience, thorough research, and risk awareness. “These aren’t weaknesses—they’re strengths that often result in more stable portfolios over time,” explained behavioral finance specialist Sonu Bhasin.
Financial literacy emerged as perhaps the most crucial element in women’s economic empowerment. The forum showcased several initiatives designed to improve financial education among women of all ages and backgrounds. These programs focus not just on investment mechanics but on building the confidence to engage with financial systems.
“Knowledge is the antidote to fear,” said Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management. “When women understand how money works, they become more comfortable making decisions about it.”
Several success stories shared at the forum highlighted women who had transformed their financial situations through persistence and education. These narratives emphasized that financial independence isn’t an overnight achievement but a gradual process of learning and growing confidence.
The forum also addressed structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s financial progress. The gender pay gap, career interruptions for caregiving, and implicit biases in financial advising were identified as persistent challenges requiring both policy interventions and cultural shifts.
Corporate initiatives to support women’s financial well-being received recognition, with several companies showcasing programs designed to improve financial literacy and investment participation among female employees. These initiatives ranged from tailored workshops to mentorship programs connecting experienced investors with newcomers.
The ET Women’s Forum concluded with a powerful call to action: financial empowerment isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s an economic imperative. When women gain financial independence, families, communities, and economies thrive. The journey begins with a single step: the decision to take control of one’s financial future through education, confidence-building, and action.
For many attendees, the forum’s message resonated as both timely and timeless: the path to financial freedom starts with believing in your ability to walk it.
