Women and their money

WOMEN, on average, are wealthier and more empowered than before. A UBS report – Gender-lens investment – The state of women in 2025 – indicated that from 2015 to 2024, the number of female billionaires grew to 344 from 190, up 81 per cent, driven mainly by female business owners. Still, it pales in comparison to a 49 per cent rise in the male population, which is far larger at 2,338 last year.

It augurs well that more women have been completing formal education and participating in the workforce. There is also greater women representation in management roles. All this bodes well for the fairer sex. With greater income potential, women will have the means to be financially savvy.

It is essential for women to be aware of the obstacles they may face, particularly those who are less educated or work in industries with lower-paying jobs. Furthermore, women are more likely to take a break from their career to devote time to raise a family and/or be caregivers to the elderly. Studies showed that more women than men had at one point taken a career break. This could result in reduced opportunities for career advancement and lower lifetime earnings compared with their male counterparts.