Financial Independence Remains A Concern Among Most Gambian Women

Today on the period of International Women’s Day, there can’t be a better time to start working towards a financially independent life. Celebrated on March 8 every year, International Women’s Day also gives chance to celebrate the financial independence of a woman.

This year’s theme, #EachforEqual, brings forth the idea that gender inequality isn’t solely a women’s issue, but an economic one, as gender equality is essential for economic growth and communities to thrive.

The Chronicle caught up with two young Gambian women media personalities to talk about their financial portfolios and plans to have an independent and stable life, as financial independence continues to be a concern for most Gambian women from different walks of life.

Radio presenter and event host, Malado Jallow, says “A woman needs to help herself out, get respect from the society and build her self-esteem in terms of personal trade to match her status and that can only be achieved if a woman is financially independent”.

Sally Jobe is the founder and CEO of Tizzy Media, and she believes financial independence is important in a women’s life. “Financial independence is important in women’s life because it’s not only a source of confidence, but also gives them the credibility to participate in important matters of decision making for themselves and their families.”

Highlighting some of the things hindering the achievement of women being totally independent financially, Jallow blames culture and tradition as the two main hindrances.

“If a woman is earning decently, society will start judging her in a sense she will find it very difficult to double up because it is been practiced that women should directly ask their husbands everything if married.

And if not, she should ask the male figures in her family like father, brother or uncle. But we should remember that women should not be asking all the time, we need to get it ourselves”.