Empowering women through financial planning & taking control of finances

Empowering women through financial planning & taking control of finances

21 March 2023 3 min read

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial Literacy is the ability to understand and manage one’s finances effectively. It means having the ability to make strong and informed financial decisions which can lead to financial stability. When we talk about Financial literacy or Financial Management even while managing our own finances, we often realize we ask the men of the family either to take care of them or guide them.

But why men? Do they get any specialized training or anything that women can’t get? Are they actually so wise in making financial decisions? Are only men capable of handling finances? If the answer is NO, then why don’t we ever talk much about women managing finances, or taking care of financial responsibilities?

Today’s women work hand in hand with Men. But still, in the major part of India, we see when it comes to money matters women generally take a step back. This dependency is not bad but what is the need of being dependent on a male person in the family when you yourself can get educated for the same? Though with change in time, our society has changed as well, women are treated with equal respect but still in the major part of India even after being outgoing and educated, women still hesitate in managing their finances.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for financial literacy, particularly among women. In India, this has become an important issue as women are often at a disadvantage when it comes to financial matters.

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and manage one’s finances effectively, even if it is the simplest task or the biggest one. It involves a range of skills, including budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial products such as loans, insurance, and credit cards.

One of the main reasons why women in India often lack financial literacy is due to cultural and societal norms. Women are traditionally expected to take care of the household and family, and financial matters are often seen as the responsibility of men. As a result, many women are not taught basic financial skills and are not confident to make financial decisions.

However, the situation is slowly changing, and there are now more resources available to help women improve their financial literacy. Here are some of the steps that can be taken to promote financial literacy among women in India:

Education and Training

Education is key to improving financial literacy among women. Schools and colleges should offer financial education as a part of their curriculum. In addition, various financial literacy programs and workshops can be organized to provide training and education to women.

Online resources

In today’s digital age, there are plenty of online resources available that can help women improve their financial literacy. Government and private institutions can create websites and apps that provide financial education, investment guidance, and other helpful tools.

Workshops

Workshops can be organized in communities to discuss financial matters with women. These workshops can cover budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as explaining financial products such as loans, insurance, and credit cards.

Women’s groups

Women’s groups can be formed at local levels to promote financial literacy. These groups can provide a supportive environment for women to share their experiences and learn from each other.

Mentoring and counseling

Mentoring and counseling can be provided to women to help them understand financial matters better. This can be done by connecting them with financial experts or advisors who can provide guidance and support.

In conclusion, financial literacy is a crucial skill that every individual needs to possess. However, it is particularly important for women in India who often face challenges when it comes to managing their finances. By taking the steps outlined above, we can help to improve financial literacy among women in India and empower every women to take control of their financial future.

It is our duty to help them with Financial Literacy and let them understand how important it is to manage their finances on their own, not because we want them to defeat men or compare with men, but for making them independent and strong so that tomorrow they can help others and themselves too if any situation requires.