FROM THE EDITOR

From a man's viewpoint, I think women sometimes don’t appreciate how far they have come regarding employment equity in a relatively short time. There is still a way to go before complete equity is achieved, where women are treated no differently from men and are rewarded the same as men.

But think of the progress that has been made.

Only half a century ago, married women were expected to stay at home, do the housework and raise the children, while their husbands worked to put bread on the table. The roles were sharply defined.

Today, while women enjoy career opportunities on par with men and their pay is beginning to equal what men would get in the same job, it appears to me that many are still on the back foot concerning the financial know-how that men have traditionally had, and are therefore still vulnerable to financial exploitation.

I believe this is because even in households where both parents work, as far as the household finances are concerned, the roles have not evolved to the same extent: the husband is still generally responsible for the household finances, taking care of insurance, paying the bills, and making provision for retirement.

Financial education is vital for women to take that final step towards financial independence. I hope this Women’s Month edition of IOL MONEY goes just a little way in providing the knowledge you need.

Martin Hesse

A woman’s best protection is a little money of her own.

– CLARE BOOTH LUCE Author