Working women are still stigmatized in many parts of world. Women find it difficult to share and discuss their financial goals with their families because they are still considered “secondary” in financial matters.

So it is imperative for family members to encourage and support women especially young women.

Everyone including minors should be invited to observe conversations that are related to setting financial goals with family members. It is important for a woman to prioritize financial independence early on in her life.

A woman’s best protection is a little money of her own.” – Clare Booth Luce, American Author and US Ambassador.

Earning an income should be a top priority on the financial to-do list of a woman.

Studies suggest that women who are not able to or allowed to earn an income find it harder to leave an abusive relationship. They are unable to take the necessary steps against violence and injustice around them or in their household.

Achieving financial stability should not be an obligation only of the “men in the family”. Everyone (including women) according to their capacity should strive for that.

It is quite encouraging recently, when we look around we see that women are increasingly embracing financial literacy and independence with zeal and eagerness. We see that most of them have the utmost freedom to access resources and have a strong support system backing them.

But this is not the story for the majority of women as several barriers, limit women get access to and use of financial services.

If we want our communities to grow and to prosper we will have to take steps to empower, encourage and promote women to gain financial independence.

“I strongly believe a financially aware and a financially literate society is necessary to survive the global financial crisis and ensure stable economic growth and women cannot be left out of the equation.” – Peter Kwadwo Asare Nyarko

Happy International Women’s Day 💖