As South Africa marks Women's Month this August, the growing involvement of women in precious metals investing prompts a deeper look at how financial independence is reshaping economic roles. In a landscape still dominated by traditional gender norms, women are increasingly leveraging assets like gold and silver to build resilient portfolios, challenging the status quo in wealth management. This shift isn't just about personal gain; it reflects broader societal changes where women, often balancing family and career demands, seek stability in volatile times.

Rael Demby, CEO of The South African Gold Coin Exchange & The Scoin Shop, captures this sentiment: "This National Women's Day, we celebrate the vital role women play in our economy. Over 70% of our dedicated workforce is female, driving our success, while approximately 40% of our valued customers are women, shaping our business with their trust and engagement." Yet, beyond company walls, the real story lies in how economic pressures—persistent inflation and global instability—are pushing women toward these "safe-haven" assets, raising questions about whether mainstream financial systems are adequately serving half the population.

The uptick in female precious metals investors mirrors a global pattern, driven by the imperative for diversification in uncertain markets. Data from BullionVault shows a staggering 116% increase in first-time female gold buyers since the Covid-19 pandemic began, far outpacing the 28% rise among men. This disparity highlights how women, frequently the primary household managers, are prioritising long-term security over short-term risks. 31% of women surveyed by The Royal Mint echo this, citing wealth accumulation as a key motivator and 35% drawn to low-risk options like gold, underscoring a need for better financial education to bridge knowledge gaps. Precious metals act as effective inflation hedges—gold appreciated by 29% in 2024, surpassing numerous conventional investments. Silver, utilised in renewable energy and technology sectors, is projected to reach up to $40 per ounce in 2025, presenting substantial potential for portfolio enhancement.

Globally, women are leading this charge with cultural and strategic flair. In the UK, female clients at The Royal Mint have surged from 8% in 2018 to over 25% today, with 16% planning to buy gold soon. Nicola Howell, the Mint's chief commercial officer, notes: "We want more women to feel empowered when making investment choices, whether that's in precious metals or any other asset." In India, what was once ritualistic gold ownership has evolved into astute investing, as investor Jim Rogers observes: "Indian women have taught me a lot about gold and silver... Gold in lockers is not wasted capital." This fusion of tradition and modernity resonates in South Africa's Indian communities, where heirloom gold doubles as a financial legacy, prompting a reevaluation of how cultural practices can inform modern economic policy.

Here at home, Women's Month demands more than celebration—it calls for tangible action. With gold prices holding firm in 2025, the focus turns to events like the JSE SheInvests 2025 conference on August 23 at the Sandton Convention Centre. Now in its seventh year, under the theme "Where Your Present and Future Meet," it emphasises financial literacy, networking, and navigating investments amid economic headwinds. (Details at JSE SheInvests) The South African Gold Coin Exchange & The Scoin Shop's participation underscores the event's relevance, with Demby adding:

"Women are transforming the investment landscape by embracing precious metals as a cornerstone of financial resilience. At SheInvests, we see firsthand how gold and silver empower women to secure their futures, turning knowledge into lasting wealth for generations."

Ultimately, investing in gold and silver transcends mere returns; it's a statement on protection and inheritance in precarious times. For South African women, these assets provide a buffer against economic storms, fostering prosperity across generations. But true empowerment requires systemic support—better access to education and inclusive policies—to ensure this trend isn't fleeting. As Demby advises:

"Start small, learn, and join the global movement. Your portfolio will thank you."