From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth

Women are shaping India’s financial future like never before. Their participation in credit markets is rising, financial awareness is improving, and entrepreneurial ambition is growing. However, despite these positive trends, challenges remain in ensuring equal access to credit, financial independence, and long-term economic empowerment.

This report explores how women are transitioning from borrowers to builders, analyzing emerging trends in credit participation, financial behavior, and self-monitoring. It highlights the evolving role of women in India’s financial ecosystem and identifies areas where meaningful progress is being made.

Key Highlights

• More women are entering the formal credit system, with a significant increase in first-time borrowers.
• Credit awareness is on the rise, with women actively monitoring and improving their financial health.
• Entrepreneurial aspirations among women are growing, but access to business credit remains a challenge.
• Regional trends show variations in credit participation, with some states leading the way in financial inclusion.
• Gold loans continue to dominate women’s borrowing preferences, while personal and business loans see steady growth.
• Younger women are engaging with credit differently than previous generations, signaling a shift in financial decision-making.

The report offers a data-driven perspective on how women are shaping India’s financial landscape. While progress has been made, unlocking their full potential requires a deeper understanding of their financial needs, challenges, and aspirations.