Despite women's growing awareness and proficiency with personal finance management, a ‘gender savings gap’ exists because of lack of access, confidence, and specialised support. The financial literacy firm Finsafe's ‘Women & Finances Survey 2025’ survey looks at the obstacles Indian women encounter and how they perceive financial independence. More than 800 women nationwide participated in the survey to learn more about their financial independence perceptions, money management practices, investing strategies, and future planning.
46.1 per cent women feel they lacked confidence about having enough money during emergencies. Although women can manage money related tasks, less than 20 per cent feel confident handling essentials such as saving, investing or managing debt. Most women don’t feel completely secure, and only 10 per cent felt they didn’t have financial worries.
Around 31.9 per cent of women still invest in low-return investment options such as fixed deposits and insurance policies, even though they may be uncertain about meeting their financial goals. Around 11 per cent invest directly in equities, 39 per cent in mutual funds, and 18.2 per cent in gold.
60 per cent cite lack of knowledge as a major barrier, while others fear loss if they invest in riskier options. Many of them still rely on male family members when it comes to financial decision making. Only 46 per cent make decisions independently, and just 7.5 per cent consult a financial advisor. Cultural norms and limited access to household income make consistent savings difficult, especially in rural areas.
This persistent gender savings and confidence gap means women may enter critical life stages—career breaks, retirement, emergencies—without the financial buffers needed. Overreliance on low-return instruments, combined with low usage of financial planning tools, reduces the potential for wealth-building and goal achievement.
What Can Help Close The Gap
• Tailored financial literacy programs for women (eg workplace, community-based, vernacular)
• Access to women-friendly advisors and content
• Promotion of goal-based investing (like mutual funds and SIPs)
• Designing financial products with agency, autonomy, and digital empowerment in mind
• Encouraging co-decision-making within households