Financial Independence: A Powerful Tool To Achieve Equality, Empowerment

By Sharon Kyatusiimire

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.

The author is a committed gender equality activist and the founder of She-Voice Uganda.