Credit: Maryam Hassan Bukar/Instagram “I am who I am today because my mother Hauwa Maina had autonomy and agency over her economic power,” says Maryam Hassan Bukar , a poet and social entrepenuer, reflecting on the profound influence of her mother’s financial independence. When women have financial control, it transforms not only their lives but also the generations that follow. Imagine a woman who walks into a car dealership, chooses a vehicle within her budget, and drives off without seeking anyone’s approval.
Or a woman who earns money from a business contract and invests in real estate. Perhaps she decides to send her children to an Ivy League university because she can afford it. That is the essence of economic power—freedom, autonomy, and choice.
Economic power is not just about money; it’s about having influence and control over one’s life. It grants women the ability to shape their destinies without waiting for permission or validation. From managing finances to making reproductive health decisions, from pursuing careers to controlling social participation, a woman with economic power can carve out a life that aligns with her vision and values.
For Maryam, her mother, Hauwa, exemplified this kind of control. Hauwa Maina, a Nigerian actress, balanced her career and personal life with remarkable independence. Her financial stability allowed her to navigate life and her career without limitations—an example of what the #HerMoneyHerPower campaign by BellaN.