Across Africa, many women work hard to earn a living, yet in some societies, their salaries do not remain in their control. In certain cultural and traditional settings, women’s earnings are managed by their husbands, fathers, or male relatives. This practice, deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, raises concerns about financial autonomy, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment.
Where Does This Happen?
While laws in most African countries guarantee women the right to own property and control their income, customary traditions sometimes override these legal rights. Some of the countries where women’s salaries are often controlled by male family members include:
- Nigeria – In some rural communities, particularly in the northern regions, husbands may take charge of their wives’ earnings, citing religious or cultural expectations.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Women’s financial independence is limited in certain areas due to traditional customs that place economic decision-making in the hands of men.
- Sudan – In some conservative communities, women are expected to hand over their earnings to their husbands or male guardians.
- South Sudan – Patriarchal customs dictate that a woman’s earnings contribute to the household but are managed by male family members.
- Chad – Gender roles often define men as financial decision-makers, meaning women’s earnings may not remain theirs to control.
- Mali – In some regions, it is customary for a woman’s salary to be used for family expenses, with the husband having the final say on how the money is spent.
- Mauritania – While women are active in business, traditional customs in some areas restrict their ability to freely manage their finances.
- Ethiopia – In rural parts of Ethiopia, cultural norms sometimes dictate that a husband or father controls a woman’s wages, despite legal protections for financial independence.
Why Does This Happen?
The reasons behind this practice are complex and vary from one region to another. Some of the key factors include:
- Patriarchal Traditions – Many African societies view men as the heads of households, making them responsible for financial decisions.
- Religious Interpretations – Some religious teachings, particularly in conservative communities, reinforce the idea that men should oversee family finances.
- Limited Financial Education – Some women lack access to financial literacy programs, making them reliant on male family members for money management.
- Economic Dependence – Women who earn less than their husbands may feel obligated to give up control of their income.
- Social Expectations – In some cultures, a woman handing over her salary is seen as a sign of respect and duty to her husband and family.
The Impact on Women
When women do not control their earnings, it affects their financial security, independence, and overall well-being. Some consequences include:
- Lack of savings and investment opportunities – Without control over their income, women struggle to invest in businesses, property, or education.
- Increased financial abuse – Some women experience economic abuse, where men use financial control as a form of dominance.
- Limited decision-making power – Women who do not manage their own money often have less say in family and personal financial matters.
- Cycle of dependency – When daughters see their mothers surrender their earnings, the cycle continues into the next generation.
Steps Toward Change
Empowering women to control their earnings requires a combination of legal reforms, education, and social change. Some important steps include:
- Strengthening legal protections – Governments must enforce laws that ensure women’s financial rights are upheld.
- Increasing financial literacy – Providing women with financial education helps them manage their money confidently.
- Encouraging economic empowerment – Access to loans, entrepreneurship programs, and career growth opportunities can help women gain financial independence.
- Challenging cultural norms – Engaging traditional and religious leaders in discussions on gender equality can help shift societal expectations.
Conclusion
The notion that women’s salaries should be controlled by men is an outdated practice that hinders gender equality and economic growth. As Africa continues to develop, it is crucial to support policies and cultural shifts that promote women’s financial independence. Women must have the right to earn, save, invest, and decide how their income is used—because financial freedom is a key step toward true empowerment.
