It was only sixty years ago: French women were finally legally accessing financial independence. On July 13, 1965, the law reforming matrimonial regimes granted them two fundamental rights: that of exercising a professional activity and that of opening a bank account without the authorization of their husband. On the occasion of this anniversary, many studies make it possible to measure the path traveled in just over half a century.
Proof that there is still a long way to go: “If 70% of French people declare themselves financially autonomous, only 63% of women share this feeling, against 77% of men”note the study “The French and their financial emancipation in 2025” From Forvis Mazars and Fin’elles, produced with the CSA. In the same direction, Only one in two French people (men and women combined) considers that the financial independence of women is now acquiredand only 34% of women, according to an Ifop study carried out by Mutualist France, in partnership with Bpifrance Le Lab, published on July 7.
A level that progresses in financial knowledge …
On the other hand, women believe they have Better financial knowledgewith results close to those declared by men: 78% of respondents say they have a good knowledge of the operation of a credit, for example, of which 76% of women and 80% of men. Likewise, 77% of respondents claim to have a good level of knowledge of the principles of savings: 74% in womenand 79% in men.
However, in terms of knowledge of financial investment principles, the gap is more marked: 44% of women consider themselves competentagainst 57% of men, but “Women self-assess themselves more severely, there may be an underestimation of their capacity, but also undoubtedly, a real deficit of knowledge, linked to a lesser practice of investment”, Analysis Isabelle Le Bot, Director General of Mutualist France.
… But who does not help women invest more
We note in fact that in terms of financial equipment, French women tend to focus on risk -free productslike regulated booklets (booklet A, LDDS, LEP, etc.). They are fewer in investing in life insurance (-7 points compared to men) or in a equity savings plan (-9 points). “Women invest less than men, and when they do it, they favor booklets or investments without risks, so they deprive themselves of potentially more remunerative products, which digs the heritage gap”Note Adeline Lemaire, Executive Director Funds of Bpifrance.
How to progress on this particular point? For Insaff El Hassini*, book author In Thuns, Citizen!above all, we must attack the wage inequality between and women: “The majority of women who do not invest do not do so for lack of interest, but for lack of means”, she recalls. To go to these risky investments, “It is indeed necessary to have already put aside precautionary savings and therefore have sufficient income”, Acquires Isabelle Le Bot. For the record, according to INSEE, in the private sector, in 2023, The average salary income of women is 22.2% lower than that of men.
First step, therefore: “”Have something to invest. And the most powerful lever for this is often the salary negotiation or the revaluation of your prices if you are independent. Learn to determine the fair price of your skills or services, learn to negotiate, defend your financial interests and claim a fair return of things ”advises Insaff El Hassini. Afterwards, build up a safety net. “Concretely, this means putting aside the equivalent of 3 to 6 months of your fixed expenses, to be able to meet the vagaries of life”continues the author. Finally, form :: “Investing does not require a doctorate in financereassures the expert, But it is essential to master the basics: knowing the major asset classes, understanding the risks and knowing what you really expect from a placement. Books, podcasts, workshops or online training, the resources specially dedicated to women are numerous and accessible ”.
*Forbes 2025 woman, expert in remuneration negotiation, founder my fair value® and author of “aux thunes, citizens!” (Alisio editions, 256 p.) And “50 sentences to negotiate your next increase” (Editions First, 160 p.).
