are stepping into the spotlight like never before, not just as active participants in the workforce, but as a powerful consumer force.
While women make up nearly half of India’s population at 48 per cent, their contribution to the country’s GDP currently works at just 18 per cent. The gap represents one of the most significant untapped opportunities in India’s business history.
The women’s workforce participation is expected to skyrocket from 14.5 crore to an impressive 25.5 crore in the coming years, according to a Bain and Co and Magic Bus India Foundation report.
The addition of 11 crore women to India’s workforce will fundamentally reshape consumption patterns across all sectors.
Meghna Varma, Director Sales, Philip Morris India Trading said the massive influx of new consumers presents an unprecedented opportunity, but it also demands that organisations completely rethink their sales strategies from the ground up.
Progressive companies are already rolling out dual-track strategies that acknowledge the distinct ways women and men approach purchasing decisions, she said.
Male consumers typically focus on straightforward elements such as product functionality, concrete benefits and quick transactions, she said.
Female consumers, on the other hand, prefer comprehensive engagement that includes relationship building, meaningful interaction and genuine connection with brands and sales people, said Varma.
Sales teams must develop expertise in demonstrating how products will genuinely enhance women’s lives and align with their personal values.
Companies that excel at weaving compelling narratives will find themselves able to command premium pricing in the marketplace.
Understanding the unique cultural nuances of major Indian regions and how they influence buying decisions will become crucial for successfully engaging women consumers across the diverse nation.
Women’s stronger brand loyalty compared to men makes loyalty programs absolutely critical for winning their business, said the report.
The Direct-to-Consumer business model shows particular promise with female consumers, tapping into women’s social nature and preference for relationship-based transactions, said the study.
As women’s economic power continues to grow, D2C brands positioned to build authentic connections will cultivate remarkable female consumer loyalty, said Varma.
Published on December 16, 2025
