Maryam Hassan Bukar: “Together, We Are Redefining Economic Empowerment for Women”
Nigerian poet and social entrepreneur, Maryam Hassan Bukar, is shining a spotlight on the transformative power of economic independence for women. Reflecting on her own experience, she credits her mother, Hauwa Maina—a celebrated Nigerian actress—with shaping her understanding of financial autonomy.
“I am who I am today because my mother, Hauwa Maina, had control over her economic power,” Bukar shared, emphasising how her mother’s financial freedom enabled her to lead a fulfilling and independent life. According to Bukar, when women have control over their finances, it not only enhances their lives but also influences future generations.
She paints a vivid picture of what true economic empowerment looks like: “Imagine a woman walking into a car dealership, buying a vehicle without seeking anyone’s approval, or earning from a business deal and investing in real estate. Perhaps she sends her children to Ivy League schools because she can afford it. That is economic power—freedom, autonomy, and choice.”
For Bukar, economic power transcends mere financial wealth. It represents control over one’s own life, the freedom to make decisions, and the ability to pursue one’s goals without needing validation or permission. She highlights that it impacts all areas of life—from career and health choices to social participation and future planning.
Her mother, Hauwa Maina, epitomised this concept of independence. As a successful actress, Hauwa balanced her professional and personal lives while enjoying the financial stability that allowed her to live on her own terms. This personal experience aligns with the goals of campaigns like #HerMoneyHerPower, a collaborative initiative by BellaNaija and The She Tank, focused on promoting financial empowerment for women.
“There’s something deeply powerful about women owning their economic power—turning challenges into opportunities, rewriting the rules, and building legacies that outlast us,” Bukar passionately stated. She views this movement as much more than a personal journey; it’s about lifting others and creating spaces for women to thrive.
“Together, we are rewriting what’s possible for women,” she concluded, championing a collective push towards reshaping the future of women’s economic empowerment.
Watch Maryam discuss women’s economic power below and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on our social media platforms.
