In 2016, 25% of female workers were employed part-time, compared to just 12% of men. Part-time work not only means lower lifetime savings, but it can also impact eligibility for certain employer benefits and retirement plans.

The Spotlight found that 71 percent of female small business owners believe that at least 25 states will sponsor state-enacted paid maternity leave policies over the next 20 years. Additionally, the Merrill Edge report found that 38 percent of women believe it is very important that their investments benefit the advancement of women. In other words, both studies found that women foresee further progress in the workplace and want investments that support them.