Celebrating Women’s Month: Strength, Resilience & Financial Wellness

My name is Drisha Pillay. I’m a registered Debt Counsellor with over 15 years of industry experience, having held management and executive roles within several of South Africa’s top 10 Debt Counselling firms. I currently serve as a National Executive Committee (NEC) member of DCASA and am an active member of the NDCA. In addition, I act as the industry liaison for SAPG and serve as a Financial Services Executive for EFS.

I am also a facilitator for the Debt Counselling course and hold degrees in Human Resources and Project Management.

My personal and professional growth has been shaped by overcoming adversity. Through determination, a positive mindset, and learning from each experience, I’ve developed into a resilient and capable individual. To all the women reading this: if I can overcome challenges, so can you. The strength to succeed lies within each of us.

The Meaning of Women’s Day

Every year on 9 August, South Africa commemorates Women’s Day—a public holiday that honours the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the nation. More than a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of women’s role in shaping our history and future.

On this day in 1956, more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against apartheid’s pass laws, which restricted the movement of Black South Africans. These women stood united—peacefully, powerfully, and with dignity.

Leaders such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn became enduring symbols of resistance. Their iconic chant still echoes today:

“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!”
(“You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”)

Women’s Day is more than just historical reflection. It’s about acknowledging the vital role women play every day—as caregivers, mothers, professionals, community builders, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Women, Money & Invisible Burdens

Beyond celebration, Women’s Day also reminds us of the unique financial and emotional burdens many women carry. Whether managing households, raising children, or leading in the workplace, financial pressure often goes hand-in-hand with resilience.

There’s a perception that women are naturally better at handling money—they budget wisely, prioritize essentials, and often make sacrifices for others. But beneath this control can lie guilt, shame, and fear of failure, especially when debt becomes overwhelming.

Many women delay seeking help, believing they must solve financial problems alone. They often view financial stress as personal failure rather than recognizing systemic pressures. From a young age, many are taught to “make do” and not “burden” others. This creates silence around financial struggles, reinforcing isolation and shame.

But here’s the truth: asking for help is not weakness—it’s wisdom. Resilience means knowing when to seek support, and breaking the stigma around financial tools like debt review is part of that cultural shift.

Financial Wellness Tips for Women

• The 35/25/35 Rule: Allocate 35% to household expenditure, 25% to financial savings, 35% to debt repayment, and 5% to emergency savings.

• Practice mindful spending: Differentiate between needs and wants. Delay impulse buys and “specials” that end up costing more.

  

• Smart investing: Explore low-risk options such as unit trusts, shares, or retirement annuities.

• Prioritize insurance: Life, health, and income protection safeguard you against unexpected setbacks.

• Build financial literacy: Read, ask questions, and learn. Knowledge is empowerment.

Remember: wellness isn’t just physical or emotional—it’s financial too.

Breaking the Stigma Around Debt Review

Debt review is a powerful solution for women struggling with overwhelming debt. Yet stigma prevents many from accessing its life-changing potential.

• Myth: “Debt review ruins your name forever.”
  Truth: It protects your assets and helps you rebuild financially.

• Fear of judgment: Women often worry about what partners, family, or employers might say.

• Pattern of silence: Many internalize financial stress to “keep the peace,” prolonging suffering.

Dispelling these misconceptions is essential. Debt review should be seen as an act of financial strength and wisdom—not desperation.

A Call to Action

Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to reflection, resilience, and empowerment. Let’s promote financial wellness not as a privilege, but as a right. Let’s normalize asking for help, encourage strategic financial solutions, and replace shame with strength.

Most importantly, let’s help every woman see her money story not as a measure of worth, but as a reflection of power, wisdom, and possibility.

To all the incredible women: your journey may be tough, and the road may not always be clear, but your strength, resilience, and determination will carry you through. Believe in your worth, invest in your growth, and never stop striving for the life you deserve.

? You are capable. You are powerful. You are enough.

Happy Women’s Month!