Women investors in India are not just catching up—they’re leading the way. According to new data from PhonePe Wealth, women are now outpacing men in both Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and lump sum mutual fund investments, marking a significant shift in the country’s financial landscape. Between January and December 2024, PhonePe analysed data from 1 lakh women investors, revealing how these women are embracing long-term investing with renewed confidence.
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Female SIP transaction value 22% higher than men’s
The findings are striking. Women’s average SIP transaction value is 22% higher than that of men, and when it comes to lump sum investments, women are investing 45% more than their male counterparts. This trend paints a picture of women moving away from traditional, conservative financial behavior and towards a more proactive, diversified approach to wealth creation.
“We are seeing a profound shift in women’s investment behavior,” said Nilesh D Naik, Head of Investment Products at PhonePe Wealth. “Women are no longer just cautiously dipping their toes into investing—they are diversifying their portfolios and committing to long-term goals with clear, strategic vision. They’re playing a vital role in reshaping the financial landscape.”
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The data further shows that the majority—90%—of women investors start their investment journey with SIPs, reflecting a clear preference for disciplined, long-term strategies. Women are not only sticking to this approach but also increasing their investment sizes. Their average SIP transaction stands at ₹1,300—22% more than what their male counterparts are putting in. It’s not just the transaction size that’s growing. Women are spreading their investments across a wide range of asset categories, including contra/value funds, flexi-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and thematic funds, showcasing their growing comfort with diversification.
72% of women investors come from B30 cities
Even more interesting is where these women are coming from. A notable 72% of women investors come from B30 cities (Beyond Top 30), indicating a significant shift towards financial inclusion. The investing demographic is no longer limited to the urban elite. Financial opportunities are reaching women in smaller towns and cities, expanding access to wealth-building tools in previously underserved areas.
Younger women are leading this charge. In fact, 74% of women investors are under 35 years old, with the largest group (29%) aged between 26 and 30. This trend speaks volumes about how young women are not just investing earlier in life, but doing so with a clear focus on long-term growth and security.
This surge in women’s investments is backed up by broader industry data. According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), as of March 2024, women now account for 33% of the total individual Assets Under Management (AUM) in mutual funds.
| As Of Mar 2024 | Investors AUM |
| Men | 61% |
| Women | 33% |
| Not specified | 5% |
| Minor | 1% |
Their collective investments have more than doubled in the last five years, growing from ₹4.59 lakh crore in March 2019 to ₹11.25 lakh crore by March 2024. Much of this growth can be attributed to the rise of SIPs, which have seen a phenomenal 319.3% increase in AUM for women from March 2019 to March 2024, according to AMFI.
What does this mean for India’s financial future?
This means that women are no longer just passive participants in the investment world. They are taking charge, making informed decisions, and building a future that reflects their aspirations.
