Financial Awareness and Investment Behaviour among Working Women in Higher Education Institutions: Evidence from Udaipur Division

Commerce

The increasing participation of women in the workforce has enhanced the importance of financial literacy and investment awareness, particularly among working women in higher education institutions. This empirical study examines the level of awareness regarding investment patterns among working women employed in higher education institutions of Udaipur Division, covering the districts of Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Rajsamand, and Banswara. The study also analyses the influence of demographic and financial factors on investment awareness and decision-making behaviour. Primary data were collected from 300 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyse the data with the help of SPSS. Descriptive analysis reveals that respondents demonstrate high awareness of traditional and low-risk investment avenues such as bank deposits, insurance policies, and provident funds. However, awareness of market-linked and relatively riskier investment instruments, including mutual funds and equity shares, is comparatively moderate to low. The overall investment awareness level of the respondents was found to be predominantly moderate. Inferential analysis indicates a statistically significant association between income level and investment awareness, suggesting that higher income contributes positively to investment knowledge. Further, correlation analysis reveals a strong positive relationship between financial literacy and investment awareness, highlighting the critical role of financial education in shaping informed investment behaviour. Safety, tax benefits, and regular returns emerged as the most influential factors guiding investment decisions among working women. The findings conclude that while working women in higher education institutions possess basic investment awareness, there remains a significant gap in understanding advanced financial instruments. The study underscores the need for targeted financial literacy initiatives to enhance informed investment decision-making and promote long-term financial empowerment among working women.

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