Put your mask on first

Africans have many obligations regardless of whether or not we are married and have children of our own.  There is always a younger cousin somewhere who needs help with pocket money for school, or a little sister who could use a new book bag, and aging parents for whom it is expected to give a little something every month as proof of our gratitude for all they have sacrificed in educating us.  But as is said on every flight before take-off, you must put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.

As young African women, we are not required to take control of our financial futures. Of course these days we are encouraged, even pushed, to go to school and pursue advanced degrees, but apart from acquiring a job with a regular income, we are not expected to invest our money and watch it grow. "When you get married, your husband will take care of all of that".  I have lost track of how many times I have heard this. Contrarily, African men are encouraged, obligated even, to have some form of financial security before marriage.

I am challenging this status quo. The only guarantee in this life is death, and there are just too many "what ifs" floating around. What if you don't want to get married? What if you want to get married, but you never meet Mr. Right? What if you get a divorce? What if your husband suddenly dies? What if he loses his job or his business fails? Being suddenly strapped for cash is not the time for a crash course in finance.  Now is the time to start saving, exploring investment options, and laying the foundation for our own financial security.