Percent of women who mainly decide how their own income will be used

Percent of women who mainly decide how their own income will be used

Percent of women who mainly decide how their own income will be used

This indicator measures the percent of women aged 15- 49 who mainly decide the use of the income they earn. “Mainly” refers to the fact that she may receive some input from her husband, brother, or parent but that she maintains a degree of control over her own earnings.

The indicator is calculated as:

(Number of women ages 15-49 who mainly decide how their own income will be used / Total number of women ages 15-49)  x 100

Data Requirement(s):

Information on the number of women who mainly decide the use of their own income and the total number of women who work for cash surveyed.

Population-based survey such as the DHS or RHS (on selected surveys).

For women, having some money– however little– that they control is important for their real and perceived financial autonomy and rights. Sources of income and the ability to control how that income can be used makes women less dependent on others for financial support and thus increases flexibility in life options.

An alternative indicator is the percentage of women who participate (alone or with their husbands/someone else) in the decision about how their earnings should be used, although this may be less meaningful in measuring financial autonomy and rights.

women’s status, empowerment