How Upskilling Empowers Women to Financially Future-Proof Their Careers

India is on the path to becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with an inclusive growth strategy that recognises women as key contributors to economic development. However, despite increasing participation in the workforce, many women face career stagnation due to skill obsolescence or career breaks for caregiving responsibilities.

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, upskilling is no longer optional—it is essential. Qualifications like the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certification offer women an opportunity to stay relevant, employable, and financially independent. These globally recognised credentials help women secure careers in financial and financial planning services and even create their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Why Financial Planning is a Lucrative Career for Women

The financial services sector is witnessing a steady demand for skilled professionals who can provide sound financial advice. According to industry reports, financial planning is one of the fastest-growing professions worldwide, and there is a significant demand for certified financial planning professionals in India.

Women are naturally inclined towards financial management, whether it is budgeting for their households, or making long-term financial decisions. A structured qualification helps formalise these skills and makes them industry-ready. Moreover, a career in financial planning offers flexibility, allowing women to balance work and personal commitments effectively.

Professional Certifications: A Pathway to Employability

Despite progress, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles within the financial sector. Several organizations and institutions offer scholarships and mentorship programs to support women in finance, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed. For women looking to restart their careers after a break, or seeking to pivot into a new field, here’s how professional certifications contribute to employability:

From Certification to Entrepreneurship

While certifications enhance employability, they also serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurship. Women with financial planning expertise can set up their own independent financial advisory firms, consulting for individuals and businesses, or even build fintech solutions catering to women’s financial needs. Some ways in which financial qualifications can enable entrepreneurship include:

Aligning with Viksit Bharat: Women as Financial Leaders

A self-reliant India needs financially independent citizens, and empowering women in finance is a crucial step toward this goal. The Government of India has been actively promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and skill development through initiatives like Skill India Mission, Stand-Up India and Digital India. Women financial planners can play a pivotal role in strengthening India's financial ecosystem by guiding families, businesses, and communities toward informed economic decisions.

As India progresses toward Viksit Bharat, the role of financially empowered women will be instrumental. By embracing upskilling with professional financial planning qualifications, women can build sustainable careers, create their own enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to India’s financial future.

Authored by Krishan Mishra, CEO, FPSB India. Views expressed by the author are their own.