The Unspoken Sisterhood: How Female Bonds Shape Our Money Matters
For my first blog post, I wanted to chat about something I think of often, but that I never see discussed. Let's talk about the secret ways women share wealth and support each other financially. That’s right! Long before we even had our bank accounts, women have been carrying on their own financial system... but maybe you never even noticed it. We know we have always been each other's cheerleaders, providing a pillar of strength, empowerment, but did you know we have also been providing each other with financial security. Yep, communities of women share much more than just emotional support—we’ve been navigating the tricky world of finance together, busting through the glass ceiling, and coming out flourishing on the other side... So, why aren’t we talking about it?
The struggle is real—or at least it was. It's hard to imagine, but not too long ago, we had to ask the men in our lives to co-sign for our credit cards and mortgages, regardless of our income, jobs or credit history. Seriously, imagine! But times have changed, and by the 1970s, we were finally “allowed” to dip our toes in the world of finance.
Fast forward to today, where the power of sisterhood in finance is still such a big part of our lives. Here are some ways women share their wealth, that you may not have considered:
1. The Age-Old Tradition of Baby Showers
Speaking from personal experience, becoming a mum again after a decade-long gap was made a lot easier (and less bank-breaking) thanks to my tribe of wealth-sharing women. Long before Amazon registries and Pinterest-inspired party themes, baby showers were a cornerstone of communal support. Friends and family would gather to shower the mother-to-be with essentials, from handmade blankets and clothes to advice and wisdom passed down through generations. This tradition ensured that, even without a paycheck or bank account, new mothers were never alone in their journey.
2. Wedding Gifts: Building a New Life Together
Weddings have always been more than just a day of celebration in an expensive white dress. There are so many different traditions and cultures worldwide, but one thing we all share is that weddings and the events that come with them are centered around setting up a new household. Families and friends contribute tools, linens, and other household necessities, enabling the couple to start their lives without the burden of immediate expenses. In some cultures, women are even gifted gold, fine china or expensive silverware which provides them their own financial security within the marriage. These traditions not only alleviate financial pressure but also symbolise communal investment in the couple's future, how sweet is that?
3. Hand-Me-Downs: A Cycle of Love and Resourcefulness
In many cultures, passing down clothing and household items from one generation to the next was not just common; it was a cherished practice. These hand-me-downs carried stories and memories, connecting women across generations. More than just a resource-saving measure, they were a testament to the enduring bonds within families and communities. Even today, you can easily find facebook groups dedicated to women sharing their resources and providing food, clothes and other supports to each other when in need. This sisterhood is invaluable and shows the natural desire women have to create community and can have significant financial impacts on the women in our community.
4. Communal Cooking and Sharing
Food has always been a powerful tool for bringing people together. In many cultures, women would gather to cook large meals, sharing both the labour and the bounty. This not only ensured that everyone had a meal but also created a space for sharing knowledge, advice, and emotional support. These gatherings were a lifeline for many, providing nourishment for both body and soul.
5. Quilting Bees and Craft Circles
Crafting circles, like quilting bees, were more than just a chance to create something beautiful; they were community events where women exchanged skills, stories, and support. These gatherings often resulted in creations that were shared as gifts or sold within the community, providing a source of income or barter for women who might not have had other financial means.
So as you can see, we've always been pretty savvy when it comes to money. We've had to be. We've found ways to share wealth and support one another even before we had rights to our own dough. For instance, providing safe havens for those fleeing toxic relationships or pooling resources to help new mamas welcome a bundle of joy without breaking the bank.
Today, we continue to use our networks to our advantage—connecting each other with job opportunities, business partnerships, and financial advice. We're even killing it in the financial literacy department, with investment clubs and budgeting workshops led by our peers. It's like a book club, but with more dollar signs!
In a nutshell, the sisterhood is real, and it's powerful. It's about more than just friendship—it's about financial empowerment. Here's to us, ladies. Here's to the power of community, to the strength of our bonds, and to a future where every woman is financially empowered. Let's keep nurturing these relationships because, together, we're unstoppable.
