HerMoney Matters: Financial Literacy and Independence for Women
By Mushama Pierre
Photo by Jogendra Singh.
Lessons in Independence From Childhood to Adulthood
As a little girl, I remember my mom constantly reminding me of the importance of independence. She stressed getting an education, working hard, and securing the bag (well, in today’s lingo, that’s how she would have put it). To her, earning your own money was freedom because when you provide for yourself, no one can dictate when you will eat or when you will not.
But one thing I noticed growing up was that, although I was surrounded by hard-working women–whether they had a 9-to-5, a 7-to-6, or ran their own businesses–investing and money management were never part of the conversation. Saving, yes, but financial literacy goes far beyond saving a little money. That’s a lesson I had to learn later on.
I still remember my very first “job” at 13, a summer camp position. Looking back, the pay was barely anything, and I often thought it wasn’t a fair exchange. But at the time, none of that mattered. I was just excited to finally earn my own money and decide how to spend it. That sense of control made me feel free.
Of course, the paycheck wasn’t the only reward. I learned work skills, gained experience, and had fun along the way. I even learned how to stretch a few hundred dollars as far as possible. My guilty pleasure back then? Ordering ELF Cosmetics online from the dollar section, of course.
Why Financial Literacy Matters for Women
What inspires me about HerMoney Matters is the opportunity to help other women and girls. As a big sister, my goal is to equip my little sister with the tools and knowledge she needs to succeed in life. This includes financial literacy, education, and building confidence in every area of her life. I want her to believe in herself, and that’s the lens through which I approach my role.
Money is not just about numbers–it’s tied to dignity and generational change. Nadia Ahmed Firoz, Deal Maker & Dream Funder at HerMoney Matters, puts it beautifully: she’s inspired by how we’re not just talking about money, but connecting it to dignity, independence, and equity for women. She says, “It feels powerful to be part of something that can ripple out into real, generational change.”
From a young age, Shamuna B. Mizan, She-EO at HerMoney Matters, her mother was the voice that shaped her pursuit of knowledge and feminism. She always reminded her that the final piece of the puzzle to true independence isn’t just education or career–it’s financial acumen and freedom. “As I grew older, life itself became my teacher. Witnessing disparities around the world, navigating the pain of divorce, and grieving the loss of loved ones who had always been my anchors only reaffirmed what my mother had told me: that financial knowledge is power and the power to stand tall even when the world shifts beneath you.”
HerMoney Matters is rooted in these truths: every woman deserves the tools, the confidence, and the freedom to build her own future.
The Role of Financial Confidence in Women’s Empowerment
Photo by Brooke Balentine.
Another pillar of HerMoney Matters is breaking the taboo around money conversations. As Obie Agwae, Operations Maestro at HerMoney Matters, explains, “HerMoney aims to break the taboo around discussing money by making money conversations approachable and real. I hope to see more women embrace money as a tool–not a burden, and not something to be afraid of.”
Nadia recalls a moment that reinforced the importance of financial empowerment for women. “It was during my work with refugee and immigrant women–hearing how lack of financial independence often kept them trapped in difficult situations. That really reinforced how critical it is for women to have both the knowledge and the confidence to take control of their finances.”
Every Woman Deserves Financial Freedom
A defining chapter for Shamuna was her decision to end her first marriage. She shares: “When I decided to end my marriage, I knew I was choosing myself–my dignity, my peace, my future. But it wasn’t easy. I didn’t have the support of many in my own family and community. Their disapproval was heavy, and the uncertainty ahead felt daunting. I know that I was only able to take that step because I had a job, a modest cushion of savings, and the quiet confidence that I could build my own way forward. Financial independence gave me the courage to walk away from a situation that no longer served me, even when it meant walking alone… It’s about having the freedom to say no to what hurts you and yes to what helps you grow.”
Obie adds: “Watching women in my community stay trapped in situations because they lacked money or the means to finance their independence showed me how critical empowerment is.”
This is why HerMoney Matters exists: We believe every woman deserves the knowledge, access, and confidence to thrive financially.
Written by Mushama Pierre, a Communications Specialist and storyteller passionate about empowering communities through authentic narratives. When she’s not working or creating content, you can find her experimenting in the kitchen or capturing life through her camera lens. Connect with her on Instagram | LinkedIn.