Breaking financial barriers: how South African women are becoming investment leaders

When I speak with young professionals and founders across South Africa, one theme keeps coming up. Women are doing the work, carrying households, starting businesses, and leading teams. Yet too often they are told that investing is complex, risky, or not for them. I do not accept that. Financial confidence is power. It gives you room to make choices, to say no when a deal is wrong, and to build the life you want on your terms. 

For many, the barrier is access, language, and trust. If the tools feel built for someone else, or the explanations sound like private code, the message is that this space is not for you. I believe the opposite. Markets should be open, understandable, and safe for everyone, regardless of gender or background. That is how we grow participation and build real wealth over time. 

Confidence starts with clarity. Before you buy anything, understand what you are buying, what could go wrong, and what you will do if it does. Write that down. If you are new to markets, practise first. A demo environment lets you learn the platform, test a simple plan, and find your footing without risking money. When you go live, begin small and keep risk fixed and visible. You will think better when you know the downside. 

Security matters as much as education. If you do not trust the environment, you will hesitate or avoid it altogether. Platforms should be transparent on how orders are executed, how client funds are protected, and how data privacy is handled. Clear statements, plain-language disclosures, and responsive support create the kind of trust that allows people to focus on decisions rather than worry about safety. 

I am encouraged by what I see from the next generation. Women are taking the initiative, doing the research, and actively expanding their financial knowledge. They are building communities that learn together and choosing tools that meet them where they are. That is why we keep our learning pathways practical and accessible. Short sessions in plain language. Real examples that connect to everyday decisions. Human specialists who will answer a direct question without judgment. Multilingual resources are used where possible, so learning is not limited by language. 

Partnerships also matter. We work with global and local groups that champion diversity and inclusion because change is faster when more voices are at the table. Mentors, educators, and community networks open doors for first-time investors and founders. The goal is not to create a separate environment for women, but to ensure that what is in place is fair, safe, and open. 

If you are wondering where to start, begin close to home. Map your cash flow. Decide on a small, consistent amount you can invest without stress. Set one goal with a clear time frame, such as building a six-month emergency fund or funding a specific education milestone. Keep a written plan and review it monthly. Confidence grows with repetition and evidence. The more you see your own process working, the easier it becomes to stay disciplined. 

Four practical steps women can take today:

• Open a demo account with a trusted broker to practise without pressure. This helps you get familiar with tools and learn market behaviour safely.
• Commit to one financial education session per month – this could be a webinar, a podcast, or a short online course. Build your fluency over time.
• Join or create a women-led investment group to share insights, ask questions, and learn collaboratively. Community builds courage.
• Choose one financial goal to focus on for the next six months – track your progress weekly, and reward consistency, not perfection.

Leadership follows participation. When more women feel confident to invest, they influence how families save, how businesses plan, and how communities think about the future. That is the multiplier effect of financial confidence. It does not stop with one person. 

My message to the next generation is straightforward. You belong in these markets. You have a right to tools that are secure, intuitive, and inclusive. You have a right to education that respects your time and intelligence. Start where you are, keep your risk small and defined, and ask every question you need to ask. Confidence is a habit you build. 

If we get this right, the story we pass on will be different. Not a story of being left out, but of being prepared, informed, and in control. That is the kind of financial heritage I want our daughters, colleagues, and country to inherit.

* Israfil is the CEO of CFI Financial Group South Africa.

PERSONAL FINANCE