Women urged to prioritise financial independence, mental health

­Speakers at the MTN Yello Ladies Network “mma nkomo” conversation series have called on women to prioritise financial independence, mental well-being, and self-development as key pillars for sustaining healthy relationships and marriages.

They said women often carry a heavy emotional and social burden in relationships, frequently prioritising the needs of others while neglecting their own financial stability, identity and mental health.

The session brought together over 500 virtual and 100 in-person participants, with conversations focusing on relationships, women’s mental health, self-care and financial empowerment.

The “mma nkomo” series, according to organisers, is a platform that addresses diverse topics affecting women, including health, relationships and personal growth, with future editions expected to explore additional issues.

Financial independence

Speaking at the series, the Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairperson of the Yello Ladies Network, Antoinette Kwofie, said the conversations were anchored on the need for women to develop the “whole woman” beyond professional achievements.

She said many women tend to devote significant energy to family and relationships while neglecting themselves, which in some cases leads to emotional frustration, financial vulnerability and loss of personal identity.

Ms Kwofie said the network’s goal was to encourage women to deliberately invest in themselves, maintain individuality within relationships, and ensure they had personal financial assets.

She stressed that self-care, both emotionally and financially, was essential for women to thrive and effectively support those around them.

Call for protection of property rights

A legal practitioner, Lily Afua Lartey, advised women to be intentional about safeguarding their property rights within marriage through proper documentation, awareness of financial matters, and legal literacy.

She cautioned against situations where women become financially dependent in relationships without safeguarding their personal assets and interests.

Ms Lartey further advised women to handle marital challenges directly with their spouses rather than involving third parties, stressing that disputes should be addressed within the relationship structure.

She also encouraged women to focus on self-improvement and personal development, noting that neglecting one’s own growth could lead to long-term dissatisfaction in relationships.

Abuse, need for help

A Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joana Afful Larry-Afutu, raised concerns about the normalisation of abusive behaviour in relationships among some women.

Dr Larry-Afutu said this conditioning could result in individuals questioning their own relationships when abuse was absent, as it might have become a familiar pattern.

She urged women who have experienced or witnessed abuse to seek help from licensed psychologists, counsellors, and trained mental health professionals for proper trauma healing.

Boundaries, red flags, pre-marriage counselling

Dr Larry-Afutu further advised women to set clear boundaries early in relationships and avoid normalising unacceptable behaviour in the hope that it will improve after marriage.

She also encouraged women to take pre-marriage counselling seriously as a preventive tool for building stronger and healthier relationships.

According to her, early identification of red flags and timely intervention can help individuals make informed decisions about long-term partnerships and avoid avoidable emotional distress.