This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On the day I moved out of my mother's house, she shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me: 'Mwanamke lazima akue na kakitu kake.' At 21, I didn't think this advice applied to me, but it became clear when a wealthy friend of hers faced a crisis after her husband's death.
Her husband, a pilot, had passed away in a plane crash, and his relatives were fighting over his property. They vowed to throw her out, claiming she was the unwanted wife who had killed him to take his wealth. However, she was prepared.
She appeared in court with title deeds bearing her name, her husband's will, passwords to his accounts, and a record of his debtors. Some of the loudest relatives featured prominently as debtors. She was a woman with a plan, and her preparedness paid off.
She ended up keeping all the wealth she and her husband had accumulated, as well as a restraining order against her greedy relatives. Her story serves as a reminder that every woman must have a plan for her financial security.
As she shared her story with my mother, she emphasized the importance of learning about investment and safeguarding one's wealth. Her experience is a testament to the power of financial planning and preparation.
