Women must be financially independent – Funke Akindele

Experts in the entertainment industry have urged women nationwide to strive for financial independence, saying being financially secure is a true weapon that can save them from being trampled upon.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Her Money Her Power’ campaign initiative to promote women’s economic power, the Nigerian filmmaker cum politician, Funke Akindele, noted that the advocacy for financial stability of women across all strata in the society was to ensure economic equality, which, she said, was vital in promoting a more prosperous country.

The event was organised by The She Tank and BellaNaija. Akindele said: “When a woman is financially independent, it doesn’t mean she is cocky or full of herself; it means she is financially stable to afford the things she wants, take good care of herself and also provide in the family and it doesn’t make her lesser.

“If men think when women have their own money, they will not obey them, it is totally wrong. Every woman has right to have her own money to take care of herself and support you as a man. Encourage the women to be strong financially because as women, we have voices that need to be heard,” she said.

In her remarks, Founder of BellaNaija, Uche Pedro, said women were a critical group contributing hugely to the country’s economic development adding that the advocacy was to further encourage more women to create economic value and hold economic power for themselves.

Similarly, founder of The She Tank, Blessing Omakwu, explained that it was time for women to be committed to gaining financial independence, emphasising that it would give them the voice and a choice to walk out of any unfavorable circumstances.

Speaking on why MultiChoice was partaking in the campaign, the Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels of MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola, noted that focus should be placed on economic empowerment rather than mere empowerment.