Women are taking greater ownership of their financial futures, and in 2026 that conversation feels more important than ever. Across Australia, more women are seeking the confidence, clarity and support to make informed investment decisions and build long-term wealth.
As part of International Women’s Day, women from across Rethink Group have shared their perspectives on investing, money, confidence and financial independence. Their responses reflect a broader shift taking place: more women are asking better financial questions, exploring wealth creation strategies earlier, and backing themselves to take action.
The Financial Landscape for Women Today
While progress has been made, the numbers still point to a clear need for more education, access and confidence-building support for women.
Australian women still retire with, on average, 24% less superannuation than men, largely due to career breaks, caring responsibilities and the ongoing gender pay gap. Women are also still less likely than men to own property, despite property remaining one of the most effective long-term wealth-building strategies.
Confidence continues to be another major factor. Research consistently shows that women often approach investing with care, discipline and a long-term mindset, yet many still delay getting started because they do not feel informed enough at the outset.
Women in Property: A Growing Force
The shift is well underway.
Women now make up 35% of Australian property investors, and that figure continues to grow as more women take a proactive role in building wealth and planning for the future. Female-led households are also becoming an increasingly important force in the property market, particularly in growth-oriented investment locations.
Importantly, women are not just participating more in investing, they are often doing so with a strategic, long-term approach. In many cases, female investors prioritise stability, yield, asset quality and long-term accumulation over speculation, helping to build more resilient portfolios over time.
Why Investing Matters
For many women, investing is about more than money alone. It is about creating choice, security and independence.
Whether through property or other asset classes, investing can help women move beyond short-term financial management and towards long-term wealth creation. It can support passive income, stronger retirement outcomes, greater flexibility in life and work, and the ability to make decisions from a position of strength rather than financial pressure.
Property in particular continues to appeal because of its tangible nature, long-term growth potential, and ability to generate ongoing income when structured well.
What Helps Women Start Investing With Confidence?
Confidence usually does not come from knowing everything before you begin. More often, it comes from having access to the right information, practical guidance, and people who can make the process feel clear rather than overwhelming.
That is one of the strongest themes to come through in this year’s International Women’s Day video. When women feel supported, educated and able to ask questions without judgement, investing becomes far more achievable.
Taking the first step does not require perfection. It requires clarity, trusted advice and a willingness to begin.
The Mindset Shift That Matters
One of the most powerful shifts women can make with money is moving away from the idea that they need to have every detail worked out before getting started.
Confidence is often built through action. Learning as you go, seeking guidance, and making informed decisions over time is often more valuable than waiting for the perfect moment. Investing is not about having all the answers from day one. It is about building knowledge, making considered decisions, and recognising that long-term progress matters more than short-term perfection.
The Barriers Women Still Face
Many women still face common barriers when beginning their investment journey. These can include fear of making the wrong decision, lack of financial education, competing responsibilities, lower borrowing confidence, or simply not seeing themselves reflected in traditional investment conversations.
For some, the barrier is practical. For others, it is psychological. In many cases, it is a combination of both.
The good news is that these barriers are not fixed. With the right support, better education and more open conversations around money, they can be challenged and overcome.
Practical Advice for Women Starting Out
For women at the beginning of their wealth-building journey, the most valuable advice is often the simplest: start with education, ask questions early, and do not underestimate the power of getting started.
Understand your current position. Get clear on your goals. Learn the fundamentals. Seek guidance from trusted professionals who can explain things clearly. Most importantly, do not let uncertainty convince you that investing is only for other people.
Wealth creation is rarely the result of one perfect decision. More often, it is built through consistent, informed action over time.
What Financial Independence Means
Financial independence looks different for everyone. For some women, it means peace of mind. For others, it means flexibility, freedom, security, or the ability to make life decisions without financial limitation.
At its core, financial independence is about control. It is about creating options and having the confidence to shape your own future.
That is why these conversations matter. They help normalise investing for women, create space for more honest discussion around money, and encourage more women to see wealth creation as something both achievable and worthwhile.
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