Why Is Financial Independence Still A Far-Fetched Dream For Women

Today, I came across a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which a woman was talking about how she is happily dependent on her father for her needs. She said that rather than depending on husbands for money, women should depend on their fathers. While I do agree that women should not depend on their husbands for money, why on the father also? Why should women depend on anyone for money? 

In our society, women have always been taught to be dependent on others for monetary needs. It is in the return of their financial needs that they are expected to agree to all the demands that men make. If a woman is single and monetarily dependent on her father, she is often forced into marrying a person she doesn't approve of. After marriage, she is forced to do all the unpaid labour in return for the maintenance she receives from her husband. 

Dads make daughters princesses.
Husbands make women queens.

Men don't owe you the princess treatment. As a queen, it's time to be a helpmate.

If your dad never taught you that, he failed you. He also set up his potential SIL to be miserable.

Good luck with your struggle. 🤷🏾‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/HECnMNiVF4

— BLACK TZEDEK (@BlackTzedek) December 28, 2023

Earning is still a far-fetched dream for women

The first question is why should a woman need others for money? Why can't a woman earn her own paycheck? If a father wants a daughter to be dependent on him for money, there is a clear sign of toxicity as he doesn't think that women should earn. 

Earning is still a far-fetched dream for women while it is a necessity for men. Society thinks that men should take all the financial responsibilities of the house and the family while women should confine themselves to being unpaid caregivers. But this division of labour is not only unfair but also unequal.

Money is considered equivalent to independence and reputation. A person who has a bank balance gains respect even if they falter. No, one should not earn money to hide crimes under it. But to earn the respect that society always fails to provide to women. Just because women don't earn, society doesn't respect them. But if she starts earning, she is shamed for not taking care of the family.  

So what is the way out? Of course, the freedom and respect that money provides. Through this, women can at least live on their own and have the power to stand against injustice.

Earn your own money rather than asking your father

Then why are we discussing if women should ask for money from their fathers? Of course in dire need, they can. It is their right. But most of the time, women should aim at being independent in every aspect, not only money. Being dependent on anyone for anything always comes with a condition. So rather than signing up for such conditional commitments in which you don't know how you might have to pay back, it is always better to stand on your own feet. 

Many might question me saying that fathers' love is not conditional. Sure. I don't deny that. But would a man ask his father for money after being a grown-up? No right? He will be taught lessons about being independent. So should women. Parents should condition women to stand on their feet. Financial independence is necessary for all, irrespective of gender.

After a certain period, every person would be able to earn their own living. After all, that's what freedom and individuality mean. Individuality and freedom are not just about expressing opinions and rights. It is also about taking responsibility. When you can pay your own bills, file your own taxes and vote for your leaders, then you can truly say that you are a responsible individual. Otherwise, you are still learning. 

Views expressed by the author are their own