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In Tamil Nadu, 55.4% of urban women workers are employed in the formal sector in regular wage or salaried jobs; around 32% of women employed in Chennai are often considered a proxy for formal sector employment; however, their participation in stock market investments continues to be significantly low. This study examines the level of financial autonomy, risk appetite, and investment portfolio of urban working women in Chennai. Using primary data of 100 respondents collected through a structured questionnaire, the study analyses the influence of demographic and socio-economic factors such as education, income, risk appetite and investment experience on women's investment decisions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and graphical representations are employed to assess decision-making autonomy and risk behaviour. The findings indicate that higher levels of education and income enhance women's financial autonomy and confidence in investment decision-making. Nevertheless, most respondents prefer low-risk and secure investment instruments such as mutual funds, gold bonds, and government securities, while direct participation in equities and other high-risk assets remains limited. Persistent risk aversion, gaps in financial literacy, and social influences continue to constrain women's active involvement in the stock market. The research highlights the need for targeted financial literacy initiatives, women-centric investment advisory services, and supportive institutional frameworks to promote informed risk-taking and greater stock market participation among women. Key Words: In Tamil Nadu, 55.4% of urban women workers are employed in the formal sector in regular wage or salaried jobs; around 32% of women employed in Chennai are often considered a proxy for formal sector employment; however, their participation in stock market investments continues to be significantly low. This study examines the level of financial autonomy, risk appetite, and investment portfolio of urban working women in Chennai. Using primary data of 100 respondents collected through a structured questionnaire, the study analyses the influence of demographic and socio-economic factors such as education, income, risk appetite and investment experience on women's investment decisions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and graphical representations are employed to assess decision-making autonomy and risk behaviour. The findings indicate that higher levels of education and income enhance women's financial autonomy and confidence in investment decision-making. Nevertheless, most respondents prefer low-risk and secure investment instruments such as mutual funds, gold bonds, and government securities, while direct participation in equities and other high-risk assets remains limited. Persistent risk aversion, gaps in financial literacy, and social influences continue to constrain women's active involvement in the stock market. The research highlights the need for targeted financial literacy initiatives, women-centric investment advisory services, and supportive institutional frameworks to promote informed risk-taking and greater stock market participation among women.