Today is the international women's day - where we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments and contributions of every woman around the world; acknowledging the progress that would come with gender equality yet recognizing that when it pertains to personal finance as well as investing, "rules are universal."
Regardless of being male or female, in order to invest successfully you have to think like one, not a gender. As we continue to read into this article, we would be able to understand and see why it is fundamental to look at investing under a gender-neutral perspective while doing so will lead a person to more financial fulfillment and empowerment.
The investment should not be based on gender stereotypes or biases. The prime focus should be on financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy. In this manner, decisions should be based on sound financial principles rather than expectations from society.
It also removes the limitation on women taking control of their financial futures by looking at investing from a gender-free perspective.
Jasmine Gupta, Chief Digital Officer, Pahal Finance and Founder, MeitMoney points out, and rightly so, that investing is gender-agnostic and the rules of investing remain the same, whether it's a man or a woman.
“The financial goals and the risk-taking ability may differ across age groups, across genders, across regions/countries. However, the art of investing remains the same. Let’s focus on the art. Let's thrive in the same world on the same platforms. As women, we don’t need separate rules, separate platforms, and separate categories," she explains.
Expressing similar views on this, Kresha Gupta, Founder, Chanakya Opportunities Fund, says, “Investing knows no gender boundaries, it's a vital skill for all, regardless of background or class. Let's break free from stereotypes and ensure that women are not just saving for a bad day. Just as women invest in gold, they can leverage capital markets for growth. From savings to success - women leading the way through inclusive investment."
Investment with a gender-neutral mindset will, therefore, help create a diversified portfolio reflecting one's individual goals and risk tolerance and not gender-based or biased. It will result in further independence and security, thus leading to the success of long-term financial goals with more possibilities for future generations of women as well.
So, on this International Women's Day, let us promise to look at investing from the investor's point of view and not as a female, to take charge of our future finances with elan. It is an absolute truth that the art of good investing doesn't depend on one's gender - it's only making wise and informed decisions aligned with your financial goals and values.
“Financial literacy and empowerment transcend societal divisions, offering everyone the same opportunities. Goals and milestones recognize no class or gender; they stand as universal beacons of achievement for all who dare to reach," Nirali Bhansali, Fund Manager, SAMCO Mutual Fund signs off.