Marriage and Money
by Masum Momaya, Curator
Around the world, a woman's economic well-being is tied to her marital status--whether she is single, divorced or widowed. The fate of her marriage or that of her partner can propel a woman into personal economic crisis. While financial support and debt relief can undoubtedly help women in the worst circumstances--such as India's cotton farmer widows--their situation raises deeper questions about how transactions related to marriage make women economically vulnerable, and what can be done about this. Reforming cultural practices that put a "price tag" on women is a good start. Read more
In developing countries, widows faces dire economic and social conditions. Windows for Widows Founder Heather Ibrahim-Leathers explains the epidemic of widowhood and how we can help.
Karen Offen, gender research scholar, explores the constraints that women have faced throughout history socially, politically and economically--and reveals how some women were able to break free.
The number of widows in war-torn Iraq has reached record highs, but resources for these women are scarce. Dr. Rajaa Khuzai talks about widows' needs--and how they have the potential to save their country.
It's tough being a working mother in the United States, says Karenna Gore Schiff. Working parents need legal and social support. They need more choices such as full-time, part-time, flextime, and time off.
In Africa, owning land means financial stability and independence. So what does it mean that women can't be landowners without a man's approval? asks Ugandan activist Peace Musiimenta.
