“Financial independence is paramount for women”

“I wish if I would have been financially independent, I could take care of myself and my family in this tough time”, I could stand on my feet”- This thought overwhelmed a woman when life throws curved balls. 

I remembered a life journey of a woman whose life was full of twists. Her parents provided the best education for her but she had to sacrifice her career after marriage for her family responsibilities. She was in an abusive relationship. She did not get any support from her family and did not work for many years. Her self-confidence got lowered. She immersed herself in the family to such an extent that the thought of getting something done, stressed her out. Her heart skipped a beat when the thought of doing a job came to her mind. She was a great artist. She had the capability to turn colours into delightful paintings. And when she realized her passion, she decided to collect the courage to turn the fuel into power. She started doing paintings at her home and soon her paintings got appreciation. She started getting orders for exhibitions and she became financially independent. She sensed a different kind of freedom. She was walking in the air to see herself as a better person. She developed her identity and established her worth. Financial independence not made her only self- radiant but also helped to earn respect in society.

 Many women in India are facing hurdles on their way to financial independence. Women are capable of balancing their professional and personal life but they have to sacrifice their careers because of social pressures. Traditionally women were dependent on men for their support. They were not able to take decisions without any support. 

Financial independence gives a woman an opportunity to live her dream life, earn respect in society and take decisions for her children and family. When a woman of a house is financially independent, she can take better decisions for herself and her family. Life is very unpredictable. We don’t know when life throws curved balls at us. In that situation, we all wish my life would be different if I had known the importance of financial independence earlier. Because this financial independence gives us the strength to protect ourselves and our families. 

According to research, nearly 50% of women do not feel financially independent. The long-held belief that women are responsible only for domestic chores is holding them back from achieving goals. For a long time, women are dependent on men in their lives for finances, whether a husband, father or brother.

But now due to growing feminism, girls are shattering glass ceilings in every field. With financial independence, they are able to live their lives on their own terms.

Financial independence does not give a woman only money but also self-confidence, self-esteem and the opportunity to become a better version of themselves. We become more confident and a better person when we make our own money.  

Need to be financial independent

 1. Self-esteem gives us a different perspective to look at things and it comes with financial independence. Self-esteem gives us growth not only in professional life but also in personal life.

 2. A mother is a role model for her children and when children see her mother as self-sufficient and confident, they get an inspiration to be like her. The stereotype that women are only for domestic chores is shattered. When a woman of a house is strong and confident, she can inspire others.

3. It is imperative to be financially independent to establish identity. Many women lost themselves in the walls of the house by conforming to the roles of wife and mother. They forget their true worth and financial independence gives them wings to fly.

“Financial independence is a sense of freedom that is imperative for personal, professional and emotional growth”.