
Women on purpose
Own your worth 2022
Highlights from the Women's Forum. Watch the replays.
Values, money and the pursuit of more intentional lives
In the last few years, the world has changed in fundamental ways. Everyone has a point of view about those changes, but we can all agree it’s been a catalyst for reevaluation on every level. We discovered, for women especially, it has stirred a desire to focus on a greater sense of purpose. Here’s how.
What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
Our latest insights
Women are making deliberate choices to achieve their purpose
Nearly
9 in 10
believe money is a tool to effect change
This is reflected in their current actions, as a large majority of women have been involved in both charitable giving and volunteering over the past year. They are also using their purchasing power and career choices to make an impact.
94%
Donated time and money in the last year
73%
Made a purchase that aligns with their values
69%
Chose a career aligned with their values
Philanthropic support has increased in the last two years
7 in 10
increased their commitment to giving in the past two years
Women across all generations support a broad range of causes, including addressing poverty, educational/children’s programs and the environment. And even among the half of married women who defer to spouses on investments, nearly all are engaged in giving.
Charitable giving is more in my wheelhouse than my husband’s. I enjoy making these decisions and seeing the impact of our contributions.
Most women want to align their investing with their values
79%
say environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing is appealing
Three in four women expect ESG investments to have comparable or better returns than traditional investing. However, less than half hold any ESG investments in their portfolios.
You can make an impact by investing in companies who share your values and support a purpose you are passionate about.
The vast majority of women recognize the power of financial engagement
agree that being involved in long-term financial planning can enable a greater impact
The majority of women agree that money is a tool that can be used to help fulfill their purpose. And 82% believe they can pursue a more meaningful life without having to sacrifice their own financial well-being.
The majority of women agree that money is a tool that can be used to help fulfill their purpose. And 82% believe they can pursue a more meaningful life without having to sacrifice their own financial well-being.
The more engaged you are in managing your finances, the more you can choose how to use your money for things that are important to you.
Spotlight on women who lead
While the number of women who defer investment decisions to their spouses remains stubbornly above 50%, there has been some progress. The proportion of women who take the lead on these decisions has increased from 21% to 26% over the past four years. These women use multiple vehicles to effect change, including ESG, venture capital and venture philanthropy.
26%
Women who lead on financial decisions are on the rise in 2022
I spent 40 years helping countries improve their natural resource management. Now I use our donor-advised fund to continue this work.
Own Your Worth Women's Forum
The launch of our newest research, Women on Purpose, included a special forum, spotlighting how exceptional women are using their financial clout, time and purchasing power to lead purpose-driven lives through innovative social impact, strategic giving and enlightened advocacy.
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Research and insights
This is just the latest of our ongoing efforts to explore the evolving relationship between women and money.
See below for a complete list of our previous Own Your Worth reports as well as additional research.
See below for a complete list of our previous Own Your Worth reports as well as additional research.
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Together, we can help you pursue what’s important