Since it’s the month of independence I’ll be sharing the reasons why being an independent woman is critical.
My mother and grandmother both shared a powerful message about female independence. My mother grew up in a high-density suburb, where homes were close-knit and privacy was limited. One night, she witnessed a domestic dispute that deeply impacted her. A wife, traditionally expected to manage the household, decided to leave a difficult situation. However, the husband attempted to control her by demanding she leave everything behind.
This experience became my mother’s “changamuka” origin story – a pivotal moment that fuelled her drive for independence. She instilled this value in us, emphasising the importance of women being self-sufficient. This story highlights the multifaceted importance of being an independent woman. It’s about having the freedom to make choices, the ability to manage your own life, and the power to walk away from unhealthy situations.
Financial independence allows a woman to make her own life choices, pursue careers and education without limitations. It gives both empowerment and choice. She has the freedom to choose where she lives, who she is with, and how she spends her time. There’s absolutely no reason to put up with a anyone’s nonsense when you’re financially set.
Through independence, a woman builds confidence in her abilities to handle challenges and navigate life’s complexities. She learns to trust her own judgement and make decisions that align with her values. She doesn’t have to compromise her values at all.
Independent women inspire others, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams and defy stereotypes. They demonstrate that women can be strong, capable, and successful on their own terms. If not for yourself, think about your nieces, daughters or just women at large who are looking to you and could have you as a role model. You don’t know who is watching at what moment, keep your crown up queen.
Also by achieving independence, women challenge traditional gender roles that limit their potential. They pave the way for a more equitable society where women have equal opportunities. I’ll use WestProp for example, you’d think since it’s a male dominated industry majority of the employees are men. Wrong! Let me correct you there, 50% of the employees are women and 7 out of 11 of the C-Suite are women. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, “C-suite” refers to the executive-level managers within a company. Common c-suite executives include Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO). Can you imagine the majority being women? I love it!
Independence isn’t just practical, it’s exhilarating. It’s a feeling of boundless freedom and empowerment that’s almost indescribable. It’s about having the confidence, resources, and self-belief to pursue your goals and create a fulfilling life.
I'm Noni Zulu, editor of iNgudukazi Magazine and I'm proud to say that. This is a magazine that looks to empower the youth. We hope to entertain, inspire and motivate our subscribers and to help make a difference.