Financial Independence: A Powerful Tool for Achieving Equality and Empowerment

As the global community celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8th, it becomes
crucial to confront the pervasive issue of financial dependence on partners—a factor that
continues to hinder women from attaining equality and securing their basic human rights.
This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, calls on all stakeholders to work together to dismantle
obstacles and create an environment where women have equal opportunities and rights.
Consider the case of a friend, whom we’ll call Loyce, who recently found herself in a hospital
bed after a violent encounter with her husband. After noticing signs of infidelity on his phone
while he was in the shower, she confronted him, only to be met with a forceful punch that
knocked her unconscious. Sadly, this incident was not an isolated event; Loyce has endured
repeated domestic abuse over the years. Like many young women in Uganda, she has remained
in an abusive relationship because she feels she has no viable alternative to support herself and
her children.
Despite her formal education, Loyce does not work outside the home. As a devoted mother of
three, she was persuaded by her husband to leave her career shortly after marriage and devote
herself entirely to managing the household. Although he fulfills the financial obligations of their
arrangement, he has also used his control over money as a tool of domination—leaving her
feeling powerless and trapped, without the savings or financial resources needed to build a new
life.
Tragically, Loyce’s experience is far from unique. In many developing countries, women remain
in violent relationships because they believe they have no other options. After dedicating years to
caring for their homes and children, many fear that leaving would mean losing everything they
have built.
This situation highlights the urgent need to empower girls with financial independence. Each
women, young and old should be equipped with some kind of skill that would enable them to
make a living on their own and not have to rely on others for survival. Relying solely on a
partner for financial security creates a precarious situation that can foster disrespect, control, and
long-term emotional and physical abuse.
While there is absolutely no excuse for violence against women under any circumstances,
equipping girls and women with the tools for financial independence is a critical step in
overcoming many of the challenges they face. Financial empowerment enables them to stand up
for themselves and make informed decisions when confronted with difficult situations.