WOMEN INVESTOR PARTICIPATION IN THE STOCK MARKET IS CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF INVESTING: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

A well-functioning stock market is critical for the economic development of the country because it facilitates businesses to acquire funds from the public. One of the objectives of the regulator of stock markets is to broad-base the need for economic growth. Traditionally finance is believed to be the field of men whereas women are there to manage household work. In the last decade, this position is changed in society as now women are participating in all walks of life including finance. The outbreak of the pandemic has further strengthened the participation of women in the field of finance. The top country where women's participation is highest with 44% is the Philippines followed by Barbados, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. In Canada, there is a gender gap where 79% of investors are male and 21% are female. Indian stock market is ranked as the fifth biggest stock market globally but when it comes to the participation of women it is still lagging behind. This case study highlights the participation of women in the stock market as a segment that is changing the landscape of investing in terms of economic growth. 

 Keywords: Women participation, Stock Market, Gender disparity, Economic growth