23
July
Financial Struggles Women Face Every Day
Every morning, millions of women wake up early to cook, clean, and manage their homes. Yet,
their hard work never
translates into a salary or a bank balance. In India, 160 million women work as housewives,
spending every day caring
for their families without earning a single rupee. This quiet struggle reveals a bigger
issue: women’s financial
dependence.
For many women, every small expense comes with guilt. They must ask for money, explain every
purchase, and often feel
uncomfortable spending on themselves. Most have little control over big family decisions and
no personal savings to fall
back on. This constant cycle of unpaid work and zero income leaves women feeling powerless
and stuck.
Primary Reasons Why Women Lack Financial Independence
Many practical challenges prevent women from becoming financially independent. These are the reasons why millions of women still depend on men for their financial needs.
Unpaid Care and Household Responsibilities
Women spend a major part of their day on unpaid work, making financial independence difficult
to achieve. On average,
they spend 289
minutes on housework and 137 minutes on caregiving, over seven hours daily.
Their responsibilities don’t end there; they remain available 24/7 for family needs. This
nonstop workload leaves little
time for education, learning skills, or earning an income, stopping many from gaining
financial freedom and becoming
independent women.
Lack of Access to Quality Education and Skill Development
Many women miss out on good education and skill training because of early marriage, family
restrictions, and lack of
affordable learning options. In many areas, families prioritize boys’ education and expect
girls to manage household
work. Financial struggles also force many girls to leave school early.
Without proper learning, women lose chances to get better jobs or start small businesses.
Gaining financial freedom
starts with building knowledge. Education plays a key role in shaping independent women and
helping them achieve
financial independence.
Cultural Norms Discourage Women From Earning
In many homes, cultural thinking stops women from earning their own money. Many people still
believe a woman’s main job
is housework and taking care of the family. This thinking makes women feel guilty for
wanting to earn. Even when women
have skills or education, they are often told to stay home.
A survey shows about 23% of Indians feel there is a lot of discrimination against them. This
discrimination stops women
from becoming financially independent, limits their financial freedom, and makes it harder
to see more independent women
in society who can earn and make their own choices.
Why Women Must Become Financially Independent?
Women must become financially independent for many important reasons. The importance of
financial independence for women
lies in the freedom it gives to make their own choices and reduces dependence on others.
Financial independence builds
confidence, allowing women to contribute to family expenses and save for the future.
Families become more secure when
both partners earn, reducing stress and setting a positive example for children.
On a larger scale, the importance of financial independence in women’s life shows in how
they boost the local economy by
spending on education, healthcare, and daily needs. Women also create jobs by starting small
businesses. Communities
become healthier and more stable, as financially independent women invest in their
children’s education and better
living standards. A society where women earn and thrive is stronger, fairer, and more
balanced.
Best Ways for Women to Become Financially Independent
Many women want to break free from financial dependence but don’t know where to start. The good news is there are simple, practical ways to start earning and saving money. Let’s explore some of the best ways for women to become financially independent, even from home, and take charge of their future with confidence.
Start a Small Home-Based Business
Starting a small home-based business can help women gain financial freedom despite many
common challenges like unpaid
work, limited education, or family restrictions. Home businesses offer flexibility, so women
can manage their household
duties and still earn during free hours, like afternoons or weekends. No higher education is
required; basic skills work
well. You can also learn through free online videos or local workshops.
Even in families where outside jobs are discouraged, home businesses offer safe earning
ways. Simple ideas like homemade
snacks, stitching, or tuition classes can be a good start. This way, women can build
financial independence while
balancing family life smoothly. This path not only supports women and financial independence
but also assures steady
income and more respect in daily life.
Sell Handmade Products Online
Selling handmade products online allows women to turn creative skills into steady income.
Whether it’s jewellery,
embroidery, pickles, soaps, candles, crafts, or eco-friendly home décor, small batches can
be sold through social media
or local delivery apps.
It’s a great way to balance home responsibilities while building financial independence.
Women can start with simple
materials, set their own working hours, and reach more buyers without high investment. This
simple option also opens
doors to women's financial freedom, helping independent women grow their confidence and
income.
Join Self-Help Groups or Women's Cooperatives
Self-help groups (SHGs) and women’s cooperatives are small local groups where women come
together to save money, learn
skills, and start income activities. They help women achieve financial freedom by making it
easier to access loans,
training, and local business opportunities.
These groups play a key role in making it possible for women and financial independence by
encouraging personal growth
and earnings. Some well-known examples include Kudumbashree (Kerala), SEWA (Gujarat), Mahila Arthik Vikas
Mahamandal
(Maharashtra), Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, and UMED
(Maharashtra).
Stand-Up India provides easy loans for women entrepreneurs. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) trains rural women for jobs. These schemes help women earn from home or start small businesses with low investment.
Reach Out to NGOs That Help Women With Education and Job Skills
Many NGOs help women gain financial independence through free education, skill training, and business support. Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust helps women learn practical skills like stitching. It also provides basic business support by helping with essential tools such as sewing machines and cooking equipment. This way, women and financial independence grow together, as women can earn from home, manage household duties, and achieve financial independence without needing a formal job.
Final Take
Women’s financial independence is not just about money. It’s about dignity, freedom, and
better choices. It also means
fewer financial worries, more decision-making power, and better opportunities for your
children. When women earn, they
feel more confident, support their families, and help build stronger communities.
Gaining financial independence doesn’t always require big investments, just the will and
gentle push. While many women
face challenges like unpaid work, lack of skills, or family restrictions, there are many
ways to break free and gain
financial independence. From home-based businesses to self-help groups, small steps can lead
to big changes.