India has made significant progress in financial inclusion over the past two decades, but true empowerment will come only when women actively manage their own finances and participate in wealth creation, industry leaders said at the 16th edition of Fortune India‘s Most Powerful Women (MPW) 2026 event in Mumbai on Friday.
Speaking during a panel discussion on financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, Ritu Gangrade Arora, Country Head-India, Allianz Services, Manisha Girotra, CEO, Moelis India, and Amisha Vora, Chairperson and Managing Director, PL Capital Group (Prabhudas Lilladher), highlighted the gains made through financial inclusion initiatives while stressing the need for greater financial literacy and decision-making among women.
Manisha Girotra credited India’s financial inclusion drive, particularly the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity, for lifting millions out of poverty and increasing women’s participation in the formal financial system. “I think we’ve come a long way. Direct benefit transfers into women’s bank accounts and better access to credit have strengthened women’s economic power and given them greater flexibility to manage household finances and start businesses,” Girotra said.
