What research from Mauritius and Zimbabwe tells us
A recent study published in Gender, Work & Organization explores an important question: Does financial independence automatically empower women?
The research, co-authored by Dr Melina Doargajudhur (a CBISS member) and an international team of scholars, examines how financial independence shapes the lives of married women in two Global South countries: Mauritius and Zimbabwe. The findings reveal that while earning an income is important, true empowerment is more complex than simply having money.
Why Financial Independence Matters
Across many societies, women have historically faced barriers to education, employment, and financial decision-making. In many Global South contexts, deeply rooted social norms and patriarchal structures still influence how women participate in economic and family life. Financial independence—earning and managing one’s own income—can provide women with greater security and autonomy. It can allow them to contribute to household expenses, invest in their future, and support their families.
However, the research suggests that income alone does not guarantee empowerment.
Listening to Women’s Experiences
The study draws on 55 in-depth interviews with married women in Mauritius and Zimbabwe. These conversations explored how women experience financial independence in their daily lives, at home and in their communities.
From these interviews, three key themes emerged:
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Societal and institutional factors
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Financial independence and autonomy
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Relational empowerment
Together, these themes help explain how financial independence interacts with social structures and relationships.
1. The Power of Social and Cultural Norms
In many cases, women reported that societal expectations still shape their opportunities.
Traditional gender roles often place women in caregiving positions and expect men to be the primary breadwinners. Even when women work and earn income, their contributions may still be viewed as secondary.
Some participants described ongoing barriers, including:
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unequal access to education in certain communities
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limited career advancement opportunities
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social pressure to prioritize marriage and family responsibilities
Despite these challenges, many women noted that attitudes are gradually changing, with communities increasingly recognizing women’s achievements.
2. Financial Independence Brings New Opportunities
Many of the women interviewed described financial independence as a source of security and self-reliance.
Being able to earn and manage their own income allowed them to:
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support their families
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invest in education or housing
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plan for the future
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make personal spending decisions
For these women, financial independence provided not only economic benefits but also a sense of dignity and confidence.
However, the study also highlights that some women remain financially dependent due to factors such as unpaid domestic work or limited employment opportunities.
3. Empowerment Happens in Relationships
One of the most important insights from the research is the concept of “relational empowerment.”
Rather than being purely individual, empowerment often develops through relationships—especially within families and marriages.
For example, women reported greater empowerment when:
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they could participate in household decision-making
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their opinions were valued by their spouses
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financial responsibilities were shared
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partners supported their careers
In contrast, women who faced controlling or traditional household dynamics often experienced limited decision-making power, even if they had an income.
Why This Research Matters
The study shows that financial independence is necessary but not sufficient for empowerment. Structural factors such as social norms, legal systems, and family dynamics also shape women’s ability to exercise agency. In other words, empowerment is not just about earning money—it is about having the ability to make meaningful choices in one’s life.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Women’s Empowerment
The authors suggest several ways to strengthen women’s empowerment:
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improving enforcement of gender equality laws
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promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs
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addressing unequal domestic responsibilities
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challenging cultural norms that restrict women’s agency
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creating supportive workplace policies
These changes require collaboration between governments, organizations, communities, and families.
Final Thoughts
This research reminds us that empowerment is a multi-dimensional and relational process. Financial independence can open doors, but true empowerment happens when women are able to participate fully in decisions that shape their lives.
Through studies like this, researchers—including CBISS member Melina Doargajudhur—are helping to deepen our understanding of how gender, work, and power interact in different global contexts.