KABUL (SW) – In conversation with Salam Watandar, some young people say that having financial independence has enabled them to flourish in various aspects of life.
Financial independence is a fundamental need in the life of many young people in Afghanistan that achieving it allows them to live freely and choose the lifestyle they desire.
In this report, Salam Watandar spoke with 20 young individuals, including 17 men and 3 women, of whom 17 have achieved financial independence.
These young individuals indicate that financial independence has been crucial in their lives, significantly impacting their quality of life and the formation of their individual personalities.
Rahman, a Kabul resident, says that financial independence can help build an ideal life. He adds, “An individual who is financially independent has a better life. This independence, alongside other factors, empowers a person to reach the position desires.”
Ebrahim, another Kabul resident who has achieved financial independence, also said, “Financially independent people can live according to their own will and are not reliant on anyone else. They can fulfill their desires in life. Financial independence also affects family relationships and social life.”
Financial independence is equally crucial for women, helping them boost their self-confidence and sense of self-worth. It also enables them to manage their family’s financial affairs and reduces their dependency on other family members.
Hasina, a resident of Kabul, explains that financial independence has allowed her to meet her own needs without relying on others. “I have a job, and having the financial independence has greatly helped me. I have been able to obtain the things I need,” she said.
Two other Kabul residents, also say that when they lacked financial independence, they could not undertake activities that required financial resources, nor could they make independent decisions. However, after achieving financial independence, their lives have improved significantly.
Layla says, “Having financial independence has helped me achieve about 40% of the life I desire and has fostered closeness in my family life.”
Mubasher adds, “When I lacked financial independence, I faced many challenges and couldn’t do much or go places with friends. Now that I am financially independent, I can engage in activities I am interested in.”
A number of young people without financial independence report that this lack has undermined their hope for the future.
Shamsuddin Nabizada, a resident of Khair Khana area, Kabul, says that the absence of financial independence has made him dependent on his family and restricted his personal activities. He explains, “One of the negative impacts is that I can’t freely enjoy outings with my friends. If I had financial independence, I could attend courses and enhance my personality. I want to travel to different provinces for leisure, but I can’t due to my financial dependency.”
Mashal Ahmadi also says: “I don’t have financial independence, and to do anything, I have to borrow money from others. Often, when I ask my father for money, I have to consider his choices, which prevents me from getting what I truly want.”
On the other hand, sociologists and psychological counselors argue that financial independence allows young people to grow well and lead comfortable lives. They believe that lacking it hinders proper decision-making and lowers self-confidence.
Shafiqullah Ansar, a sociologist, states that financial independence affects the formation of one’s personality and social relationships. A financially independent person tends to have better relationships with friends and family and can be more active in society. He adds, “Young people who have financial independence, whether in their personal or family life, possess greater self-confidence and self-belief compared to those who do not. Financial independence plays a crucial role in developing financial management skills.”
According to Ansar, not having financial independence can lead to anxiety, stress, and low self-confidence. “There are young people who earn money but do not have the authority to decide how to spend it, as their fathers make those decisions. This can negatively affect their mindset, depriving them of necessary freedom and leading them to become inactive and pessimistic.”
It is said that financial independence is essential for the full development of young people’s personalities, and without it, they may struggle to make constructive decisions and actively participate in society.
