How Women Investors in India Are Changing Investing Behaviour in 2026

Women’s participation in India’s financial markets has been changing steadily over the past few years. As of June 2025, women account for 24.5% of total investors, with participation rising consistently since 2022. States such as Chandigarh (32%), Delhi (30.5%), and Sikkim (30.3%) report some of the highest shares of women investors.

Traditionally, women investors in India were largely viewed as savers, focused on FDs or gold. Today, they actively participate in financial markets and focus on long-term financial security. 

What stands out is not just the increase in numbers, but the quality of participation. This is reflected in how women approach different investment products today

What Women Investors in India Are Doing Differently with Their Money in 2026

Over the last 3 years, women investors have grown by 50%, and experts estimate they will make up more than half of all new investors by 2028. They focus on structured investment approaches rather than frequent buying and selling, allowing compounding to work in their favour.

1. Women SIP Contributions

Women’s SIP AUM accounted for over 30.5% of the total SIP AUM in March 2024. It grew 319.3% between March 2019 and March 2024, suggesting that women are increasingly adopting SIPs as a disciplined investment approach.

Women investors are more likely to continue SIPs across market cycles, even during periods of market volatility, reinforcing a disciplined, long-term approach to investing.

Since SIPs are designed to run uninterrupted over long periods, even small commissions or recurring charges can add up. For long-term women investors, choosing structures that avoid unnecessary costs helps preserve more of the invested capital over time. 

2. Gold ETF Investments by Women

Alongside physical gold, more women are now turning to Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds as cleaner, safer, and more transparent investment options. Gold ETF folios in India increased from around 32 lakh in FY2021 to over 55 lakh by FY2024, indicating growing adoption of market-linked gold investment products.

Gold ETFs eliminate concerns around storage, purity, and liquidity while still offering exposure to gold prices. For women investors who already view gold as a long-term safety asset, ETFs provide a more efficient way to invest. 

Learn about Gold ETFs vs physical gold and where each fits within an investment portfolio.

3. Index Funds and Passive Investing

Passive investing options, such as index funds, are gaining traction among women investors who value simplicity and predictability. These funds aim to mirror market indices rather than outperform them, making them suitable for investors who prefer steady participation over active trading.

For women investors focused on consistency and cost efficiency, index funds offer a transparent structure with lower expense ratios. This makes them a natural fit for low-churn portfolios that aim to grow wealth alongside the broader market over time.

4. Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds have become an increasingly important component of women’s investment portfolios in India. Multiple market studies indicate that women are more likely to enter equity markets through mutual funds rather than direct stock trading, reflecting a preference for diversified and professionally managed exposure.

If you’re getting started or refining your approach, opening a free Demat account and investing in zero-commission direct mutual funds can help build long-term discipline.

5. Debt Funds as Portfolio Stabilisers

Debt funds help cushion portfolios during market volatility and provide access to funds for short- to medium-term needs. Rather than serving as return drivers, debt funds act as stabilisers within diversified portfolios. This balanced allocation reflects a thoughtful approach to risk management, ensuring that long-term goals remain on track even during uncertain market conditions.

6. Government Schemes in India 

Government-led initiatives continue to play an indirect but important role in supporting women’s participation in investing and formal finance in India. 

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Expanded access to bank accounts for women, forming the foundation for participation in formal finance and investing.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana(SSY): Encourages long-term savings and financial planning for girls, indirectly strengthening future participation in investment-linked products.
• National Pension System (NPS): Increasing participation among women for retirement planning, supporting long holding periods and structured contributions.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Promotes asset ownership in women’s names, strengthening financial security and balance sheets.

Read about special government schemes for girl education in India

Top Women Investors Influencing India’s Markets in 2026

The following women represent different paths to investing, retail, institutional, and venture capital.

Individual & Angel Investors

• Rekha Jhunjhunwala: One of India’s most prominent individual investors, known for long-term equity investing across sectors such as FMCG, pharma, and infrastructure.
  
• Radha Vembu: She is a co-founder of Zoho Corporation, known for value-based investing and long-term wealth creation through disciplined capital allocation.
  
• Radhika Gupta: She is the CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund and is widely recognised for advocating systematic investing and financial inclusion, especially for women investors.
  

Venture Capital & Growth Investing

• Anjali Bansal: She is the founder of Avaana Capital, actively investing in technology, sustainability, and consumer businesses in India.
  
• Aparna Chennapragada: Venture investor and product leader, involved in investing and advisory roles in global and Indian startups.
  
• Vani Kola: She is the founder of Kalaari Capital, one of India’s most influential venture investors, backing early-stage startups.
  

Market Educators & Influencers (Investment-Focused)

• Monika Halan
  Investment advisor and author, known for shaping retail investing behaviour through evidence-based financial advice.

What is the Role of Financial Literacy for Women Investors

Quality education is a key factor in shaping how women approach investing in India. Better access to information and tools has helped women move from basic savings to more informed and confident investment decisions.

• Improved access to digital platforms has made it easier for women to understand the basics of investing, such as risk, returns, and diversification.
  
• Increased awareness has reduced dependence on informal or family-led advice. This has led to increased participation across financial instruments such as mutual funds, SIPs, equities, and ETFs.
  
• Understanding long-term financial planning helps women set clear goals for retirement, education, and wealth creation.
  
• Better knowledge of market behaviour reduces emotional reactions during periods of volatility, supporting disciplined investing.
  
• Over time, stronger financial awareness builds confidence and consistency, leading to more sustainable wealth-building outcomes.

Conclusion

The growing presence of women investors in India signals a meaningful shift in how wealth is being built and managed. This change is closely linked to better access to education and financial awareness. As more girls receive quality education and financial literacy improves, participation in investing is likely to improve further. 

Thus, the structure around investing matters as much as the strategy itself. Using cost-efficient options, such as zero-commission direct mutual funds, zero AMC, and zero equity delivery trade charges, helps reduce unnecessary costs and promote sustainable participation in the markets.

Increase in Indian Women Investors: FAQs

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.