SHOW HER THE MONEY
In recent decades, the global economic landscape has been steadily transforming under the influence of women’s increasing financial independence and decision-making power. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "she-conomy," is not just a trend—it is a seismic shift that promises to drive substantial wealth transfers, reshape consumer markets, and foster long-term economic growth in the coming years. As women take on central roles in the economy, their influence continues to grow, even as they navigate the complexities of dating, marriage, and broader societal shifts.
women now control more than $40 trillion in global wealth and are expected to inherit another $28 trillion by 2030.
Historically marginalized in financial spheres, women have emerged as formidable economic forces. According to Morgan Stanley’s research, women now control more than $40 trillion in global wealth and are expected to inherit another $28 trillion by 2030. Their control over household finances, investment decisions, and purchasing power has expanded rapidly, setting the stage for a new era of economic influence. The rise of women in the workplace, combined with their increased participation in the investment world, is reshaping industries across sectors. This trend is further underscored by the "Great Wealth Transfer," estimated at $68 trillion, where women are expected to inherit substantial wealth, thereby becoming pivotal players in investment and philanthropic sectors (CNBC, 2023).
In the past, women’s financial involvement was often restricted to household spending and basic financial management. However, today, women are becoming key decision-makers in corporate boardrooms, real estate investments, and entrepreneurial ventures. As women accumulate wealth, they are not only focusing on financial growth but also on making a social impact. A report by the Harvard Business Review (2009) emphasized that women are more likely than men to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in their investment decisions, which is influencing the rise of socially responsible investing (SRI) and impact investing. This shift is reworking the way capital is allocated, signaling a broad transformation in how wealth is managed and distributed across global markets.
single women are projected to represent an increasing share of consumer spending in sectors such as housing, healthcare, and leisure.
The rise of single women as a critical demographic in consumer markets has garnered attention from financial analysts and retailers alike. According to a 2023 report by Wealth Management, single women are projected to represent an increasing share of consumer spending in sectors such as housing, healthcare, and leisure. Their purchasing power in the U.S. alone is estimated at $4.9 trillion and continues to grow as more women prioritize financial independence over traditional family structures. Single women are also at the forefront of real estate trends, as they increasingly invest in homeownership. In fact, women now own 17 million more homes than men, with single women making up a growing portion of first-time homebuyers.
Beyond housing, women are reshaping retail markets. As reported by the National Retail Federation, women control 73% of household spending in the U.S., spending across everything from consumer goods to technology. With single women making up a growing portion of the workforce and gaining financial independence, they are increasingly the primary decision-makers in their households. Retailers have taken notice, adapting their strategies to attract this powerful consumer segment. Companies like Target, Amazon, and Apple are tailoring their marketing strategies to appeal to single women, offering products and services that align with their lifestyle preferences, from personal finance tools to luxury goods.
In tandem with their economic empowerment, women’s evolving roles in dating and marriage dynamics reflect broader societal shifts. The Harvard Business Review notes that women increasingly delay marriage or choose to remain single longer, focusing instead on career advancement, personal fulfillment, and financial independence (HBR, 2009). According to Pew Research, in 2020, 58% of women aged 25–54 were either unmarried or divorced, compared to 44% in 1970. This trend reflects a deeper cultural shift where women are placing more value on self-actualization rather than traditional life milestones such as marriage or child-rearing.
Women’s economic independence allows them to prioritize their personal and professional goals over the constraints of traditional familial roles.
The implications of this shift are profound, not only for women but also for broader economic trends. Women’s economic independence allows them to prioritize their personal and professional goals over the constraints of traditional familial roles. For example, single women are now the largest group of homebuyers in the U.S., a statistic that reflects both their growing financial stability and their changing relationship to traditional family structures. Furthermore, many women are choosing to remain childfree or delay having children, a decision that directly impacts consumer markets, housing patterns, and even national birth rates.
As women increasingly choose to remain single or delay marriage, their economic power also shifts the nature of consumption. They are less likely to buy traditional wedding gifts, prioritize wedding venues, or support industries that cater to traditional family dynamics. Instead, their spending is focused on experiences and products that align with their individual aspirations, from travel to luxury services and personal well-being.
Despite these advancements, the current political climate poses significant challenges to women’s economic progress. The rollback of gender equality measures and policies under recent administrations has sparked concerns among advocates for women’s rights and economic parity. Legislation affecting healthcare access, reproductive rights, and workplace equality could potentially undermine the economic gains women have made in recent decades . For instance, the reversal of the Roe v. Wade decision has wide-reaching implications, not only for women’s reproductive rights but also for their economic independence. The loss of healthcare autonomy could lead to lower workforce participation rates among women, particularly in industries where workplace flexibility and reproductive healthcare are key components of job retention.
Moreover, the gender pay gap remains a persistent issue, despite the gains made in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022, women earned just 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, with women of color facing even more significant disparities. Such systemic inequalities continue to limit women’s ability to accumulate wealth and achieve financial independence at the same rate as their male counterparts. The slow pace of legislative change in these areas threatens to curtail the progress made by women in the workforce, and jeopardizes their ability to fully capitalize on their growing economic power.
Looking forward, the she-conomy is poised to continue its ascendancy, with women projected to drive significant economic growth through entrepreneurial ventures, investment strategies, and consumer choices. According to McKinsey & Company, if women participated in the labor force at the same rate as men, global GDP could increase by $28 trillion by 2025. Furthermore, as women continue to make strides in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as technology and finance, they will play a central role in driving future innovation and economic development.
However, the realization of this potential hinges on safeguarding and advancing policies that promote gender equity, protect reproductive rights, and ensure equal economic opportunities for all — specifically women. The coming decades will see an increasingly interconnected global economy, one in which women’s financial independence and social empowerment will be essential drivers of growth. To ensure that women continue to ascend to positions of power and influence, it is critical that governments and institutions support policies that ensure women’s rights are protected and their economic contributions are fully recognized.
The coming decades will see an increasingly interconnected global economy, one in which women’s financial independence and social empowerment will be essential drivers of growth.
The she-conomy represents a transformative force in global economics, driven by women’s increasing financial influence, consumer power, and societal roles. As women continue to reshape economic landscapes and challenge traditional norms in dating and marriage, their impact on wealth transfer and market dynamics will be pivotal in shaping the future economy. The she-conomy promises to be a key driver of global growth, but addressing legislative setbacks and advocating for inclusive policies are critical to sustaining and maximizing this potential for widespread economic benefit. With women continuing to break barriers in every sector, the next two decades will undoubtedly belong to the she-conomy.