Women put financial protection first

by AKANI CHAUKE 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) — WOMEN are increasingly becoming key financial decision-makers, wealth creators and providers for their families, but financial experts warn that many risk overlooking their own protection and long-term planning.

Statistics South Africa’s 2025 General Household Survey shows female-headed households account for 42.6 percent of households, highlighting women’s growing economic and family responsibilities.

Jabulile Sigasa, Customer Experience Head at FNB Insurance, says women often support children, ageing parents and other dependants, sometimes at the expense of their financial security.

“Protecting yourself is not selfish. In many cases, your ability to care for others depends on your own financial wellbeing,” Sigasa says.

She says life cover and other protection solutions can help families manage the financial consequences of illness, disability, accidents or loss of income.

As more women accumulate wealth through employment, entrepreneurship, property and investments, estate planning is also becoming increasingly important.

Carin Meyer, Product Head for Wills and Deceased Banking at FNB Fiduciary, says women are playing a central role in creating, growing and preserving family wealth.

“Estate planning ensures that the wealth and security they’ve worked so hard to build continues to benefit their loved ones and future generations,” she says.

A valid Will can provide clear instructions on asset distribution, help nominate guardians for minor children and reduce uncertainty during difficult periods.

Meyer also encourages women to review beneficiary nominations, consider dependants’ needs and ensure important financial information is organised and accessible.

For families, effective protection and estate planning can provide greater financial certainty while preserving wealth across generations.

As South Africa observes Women’s Month, FNB is encouraging women to review their financial wellbeing, protection needs and estate plans.

The broader message is that financial resilience is not only about accumulating wealth, but ensuring it remains protected and serves the people and values for which it was built.

– CAJ News