Guj ranks 3rd in India for most women MF investors

Ahmedabad: Gujarat's women are not just earning more — they're investing smarter too! The state secured the third spot in India for the highest number of female mutual fund (MF) investors, with 32% of its total investor base being women, according to a report jointly launched by CRISIL and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Gujarat shares this position with Karnataka, just behind Maharashtra (34%) and Delhi (33%), while Kerala follows at 31%.
According to NSE data, Gujarat boasts of at least 25 lakh women stock market investors. The shift is part of a larger trend where women are breaking barriers in financial decision-making. Traditionally under-represented in workforce participation and financial planning, women are now making their presence felt.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) of Dec 2024 revealed that the average female labour force participation in urban Gujarat stood at an average of 21% from Jan to Dec 2024, across age groups.
With more women earning, financial independence is no longer just a goal — it's becoming a reality. "Traditionally, women preferred gold and fixed deposits for their investments. However, over the years, the share of fixed deposits significantly declined, except for emergency funds.
More women are now opting for systematic investment plans (SIPs) for disciplined monthly savings or lumpsum investments in mutual funds. The potential for higher returns in mutual funds has been a key driver of this shift, alongside increasing financial literacy and workforce participation among women," said Rashesh Upadhyay, founder of an MF distribution company.
This financial shift isn't just about earning but also about investing. The growing appetite for mutual funds is proof that women are moving beyond traditional savings tools like fixed deposits and gold, exploring market-linked options for wealth creation.