10/06/2024
BANKING THE UNBANKED WOMAN
As the founder and president of The Total Woman Initiative, I have had the privilege of encountering many remarkable women who have done extraordinary things for me. Yet, when it comes time to pay them for their goods or services, I often hear the same request: "Please pay it into my husband's account."
Now, I want to make it clear that I have nothing against paying money into a husband’s account. But when I ask these women why they prefer this arrangement, they rarely have a tangible reason. This pattern of financial dependence concerns me, so I take a different approach. I give them some money and send them to my account officer to open a bank account in their own name.
Let me share a story. Recently, at an event, one of these women approached me with gratitude. She thanked me for helping her open an account and shared the remarkable progress she has made because she now has control over her own finances.
A few months ago, in a big supermarket in Port Harcourt, another woman who had initially resisted opening an account offered to pay for my purchases. Today, she runs a thriving business and her life has transformed dramatically because she has her own bank account.
On the other hand, there's another woman who, after building a business with her own account, asked me to start transferring payments to her new partner’s account instead. I reluctantly agreed, but sadly, her business has since declined. She is now struggling to find money to restock her business. I don’t know all the reasons for her struggles, but I suspect that relinquishing control over her finances played a role.
So, I stand before you today with a simple yet powerful plea: if you know women who don’t have bank accounts, please help them open one. Empower them to take control of their financial futures.
By helping a woman gain financial independence, you are lifting her up, giving her the tools to thrive, and enabling her to make significant progress in life.
Thank you for your support, for believing in the power of financial independence, and for lifting women up.
Remember, I love you all.
Thank you.