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The gender gap in financial literacy

We are committed to addressing the gender gap in financial literacy. From budgeting and saving to shopping and investing, knowing how money works can empower you to make informed decisions in everyday life.

That’s why we strive to make economics accessible and easy to understand. On this page, you can learn about interest rates, inflation and other economic concepts in a clear and relatable way, so you can feel confident about your financial future. 

One in five Europeans have a high level of financial literacy

But only 15% of women fall into this category compared with 27% of men.

What does this gender gap mean for women?


Women in Europe earn on average 12.7% less
Women are 80% more likely to retire in poverty
Women are less represented in leadership roles
Women are less likely to ask for a raise
  1. Infographics source: Rhoades, A. (2024 March 08). Women and financial literacy: Closing the gender gap N26

Take part in International Women’s Day!

The Eurosystem has organised an International Women's Day event and a walking challenge to highlight the gender gap in financial literacy and you can participate!

International Women’s Day event

The ECB event took place on 2 March 2026. President Lagarde and high-level guests discussed the gender gap in financial literacy, reflecting on the progress made on the five commitments agreed last year and calling for further coordinated action across the Eurosystem.

Watch the event

EuroSteps Walking Challenge

Ready to transform your daily steps into a journey of financial discovery? Alongside national central banks, we invite you to join the EuroSteps Walking Challenge, an exciting initiative to promote financial literacy across all euro area countries.

Sign up to this initiative

The economy and your financial decisions

We have put together some short scenarios to help you make informed financial decisions. They look at issues like why prices rise and why savings can lose value.

The supermarket shock

You go to the supermarket and you realise prices are increasing. Why is this happening?

It’s because of inflation. Prices rise when energy, transport or production costs increase.

At the ECB, we work to keep inflation under control so prices are stable.

The value of your savings

You are putting money aside, but it feels like your savings are losing value. Why is this?

Interest rates dictate how fast savings grow. If inflation is higher than the interest rate, your money loses buying power over time. This means you can’t buy as much as you used to with the same amount of money.

Buy now, pay later

You are wondering whether to buy a new phone through a payment plan which lets you pay a small amount each month.

But if you have lots of these small debts – and especially if you have some bigger debts too – you could get into financial difficulties. Careful budgeting can help you know whether you can afford something. 

Letting your partner take care of your finances

Your partner manages your money and you are not involved in financial decisions.

Leaving money management and financial matters to your spouse or partner – or anyone else – can put you in a vulnerable position. It can even lead to economic abuse. Managing your own finances is a form of protection and empowerment!

Listen to our podcast episodes on the gender gap

Mind the gap: Gender and financial literacy

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