Publications
Sisters are doing it for themselves
Living alone can be great – the independence, the freedom, and the “not having to clean your flat if you’re not really in the mood”. But the best part? You have the ultimate say when it comes to your finances. Which can also be the worst part when things go financially wrong…
According to w24.co.za's 2013 Female Nation Survey results, which have been weighted to represent over 1 million urban South African women over the age of 18 and who are earning R6000 or more a month, women seem to be the ones who control the household budget.
Of the 51% of women who control their household finances, just over 1/3 are women who live alone. So if you ever feel that living by yourself is a real drag, remember you’re not doing it on your own. You’re actually part of a large group of women who fend for themselves on a daily basis.
That being said, 24% of married women have most of the financial responsibility in their households. While another 26% said both spouses contribute similarly. Which means women aren’t just becoming more empowered in the workplace, but at home too.
Of the women with kids, only 58% are married. Which means that almost half of these kids grow up with mom being the main breadwinner.
Sadly, while this is great for changing gender stereotypes, it means that even married women carry an enormous burden.
But what about moms who aren’t married? 52% of these women say they contribute the most, while only 21% say their partner does.
Unmarried partners with kids who contribute similarly only make up 13%, and for 15% of unmarried moms there’s “someone else” providing most of their cash.
So, all in all, it seems that women are doing it for themselves, or in more functional cases working with their partners to ensure that all is fair in love and money.
Who contributes the most money in your household? Do you think it should change?
According to w24.co.za's 2013 Female Nation Survey results, which have been weighted to represent over 1 million urban South African women over the age of 18 and who are earning R6000 or more a month, women seem to be the ones who control the household budget.
Of the 51% of women who control their household finances, just over 1/3 are women who live alone. So if you ever feel that living by yourself is a real drag, remember you’re not doing it on your own. You’re actually part of a large group of women who fend for themselves on a daily basis.
That being said, 24% of married women have most of the financial responsibility in their households. While another 26% said both spouses contribute similarly. Which means women aren’t just becoming more empowered in the workplace, but at home too.
Of the women with kids, only 58% are married. Which means that almost half of these kids grow up with mom being the main breadwinner.
Sadly, while this is great for changing gender stereotypes, it means that even married women carry an enormous burden.
But what about moms who aren’t married? 52% of these women say they contribute the most, while only 21% say their partner does.
Unmarried partners with kids who contribute similarly only make up 13%, and for 15% of unmarried moms there’s “someone else” providing most of their cash.
So, all in all, it seems that women are doing it for themselves, or in more functional cases working with their partners to ensure that all is fair in love and money.
Who contributes the most money in your household? Do you think it should change?
