KABUL (SW) – Findings by Salam Watandar based on conversations with a number of women show that women who are financially independent have more freedom in decision-making and enjoy better mental health.
The conversations took place with 20 women, 10 of whom are financially independent and 10 who are unemployed and financially dependent. In this report, 14 men were also interviewed, all of whom consider women’s role in the family economy important and support women’s work and participation in society.
According to the findings of this report, all the women interviewed are interested in contributing for their family’s economy. The 10 women who are financially independent and employed play a key role in their family’s decision-making, contributing to and managing the family economy in a clear contrast to the women who are financially dependent and unemployed.
Royida, a resident of Balkh who works in the media and is financially independent, says that working women can play a significant role in their family’s economy. She said: “In Afghanistan, we understand that most families are large, and the population in a family is high. Especially in the current situation in Afghanistan, where most families are economically struggling, it is really difficult for one person, especially the man of the family, to take on the responsibility of providing for the financial needs of a large family. For this reason, women can also contribute to meeting the financial needs of the family and play an important role in the family economy by working alongside the men.”
Similarly, Marmar, a resident of Badakhshan who participates in her family’s economy, says that financial independence enables women to manage finances well at home and meet their families’ essential needs. “When a woman is independent, she brings a lot of ease to both her own life and the life of her family. A woman who has a job and income can meet her own needs, buy clothes, and purchase household essentials. She can fulfill the wishes of her children, parents, or siblings,” she added.
According to the findings of this report, 10 women who are financially dependent and were interviewed by Salam Watandar, report feelings of low self-worth, dependency on others, and poor mental health. They say that a lack of financial independence has diminished their self-confidence.
Nazanin, a resident of Takhar who previously worked and was financially independent but is now unemployed and financially dependent, says that not having financial independence has made her feel worthless and like a burden on her family. “When a woman works, earns money, and participates in the family economy, she can have a say in important family decisions, and her opinion becomes valuable in any other matter. But when a woman is not working, she becomes a burden to the family, to her husband, or anyone else in the family. If a woman doesn’t contribute financially or otherwise, her value diminishes.”
Maryam, a homemaker who has never been financially independent, says that lacking financial independence has always made her dependent on the men in her family. She adds, “If you’re married, you feel less valuable in front of your husband, and if you have brothers, you feel less valuable in front of your family. It’s better to spend from your own income. Women who are not financially independent face this problem.”
Husna, a woman who previously worked and was financially independent but is now unemployed and staying at home, says that she no longer has the freedom, authority, or status she once had, and is now facing depression and psychological distress. “Now, since most women are financially weak or have no financial support, I believe that their value and importance have diminished at home. There is no hopeful outlook for women, and restrictions are increasing day by day.”
At the same time, 14 men interviewed for this report also support women’s work and financial independence. They say that women’s financial independence reduces the burden on men in meeting their families’ financial needs and decreases financial challenges within families.
Najibullah, a resident of Balkh who works in a freelance profession, says that women’s work and activity help them provide for their own and their family’s basic needs and play a significant role in the family economy. “Women who work can be self-sufficient, meet their own needs, and are better aware of social dynamics, customs, and societal approaches than women who stay at home and don’t work. Furthermore, working women have a better understanding of their society, family, and priorities.”
Faridoon, a resident of Kabul, also comments, “When a woman is financially independent, she can contribute to the household expenses. Women who work can participate in all family decision-making processes, while those who don’t work tend to feel excluded from household decisions.”
Women’s rights activists regard women’s financial independence as crucial for the growth of both families and society. They say that independent women have more self-confidence, better mental health, and are better equipped to manage their lives and families in any situation.
Masouda Karim, a women’s rights activist, says, “These women usually cover their own living expenses and manage and control their own finances. They are the ones who can easily express their opinions, communicate their needs to others, and even voice their opposition when necessary. In fact, independent women are like lifeboats who can help themselves, their families, and their husbands when needed.”
Hanif Farzan, the head of an organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs and youth entrepreneurship activities in Afghanistan has emphasized, “Financial independence leads to a sense of security and enables women to identify and seize more opportunities for further activities. On the other hand, it paves the way for women’s growth and advancement in various managerial and social roles. Financial independence also fosters healthy competition, social participation, and enhances women’s capacity.”
However, Shaker Sediqi, a psychologist, says that having a job and financial independence has positive effects on women’s mental and psychological well-being. He adds that women who are employed and financially independent feel more empowered and in control of their lives, which boosts their self-confidence and improves their mental health.
He explains, “Financial independence allows women to play a more active role in decision-making in their lives, and it gives them a greater sense of self-worth. Employment also gives women the opportunity to engage in society and build professional and social relationships, which strengthens their spirits and personal growth.”
At the same time, Abdul Rahman Habib, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy in the de-facto government, says that opportunities for women’s employment in various sectors are available, and the ministry has programs aimed at addressing the economic challenges women face.
He adds, “Sisters can solve their economic problems through economic activities and small businesses, obtain loans, and start small ventures. We have plans in health, education, and small businesses that will provide opportunities for women to work and solve their economic challenges.”
This report highlights the challenges faced by women who lack financial independence, with many employed women having lost their jobs due to restrictive government mandates. Some reports indicate that the dire economic situation of these women has not only affected their own lives but also negatively impacted their children and families.
