Welcome to this empowering blog focused on closing the wage gap for African women. If you have ever felt disempowered in the workplace, this is the space for you.

There has been a lot of talk about the differences in salaries in the UK and most parts of the world. Black women are among the worst affected. So while governments and companies are trying to fix this situation on a global scale, how do we go about closing the wage gap for African women at the local level?

Simple Money Hacks is a supportive community where we’ll explore practical strategies and actionable steps explicitly tailored for African women in the diaspora. I’d discuss black African women’s unique challenges and needs, focusing on creating a more inclusive and equal work environment.

Discover practical strategies and actionable steps to uplift and empower black African women professionally.

Let’s join forces and create a fairer future together.

Education is Key

One of the most crucial steps towards empowerment is education. Young black African women should pursue education and excel in their studies. Education nowadays goes beyond what we learn in class. We live in exciting times because of the internet. Learn in school, learn online. 80% of the education responsible for my current income was discovered online for free. The only currency required was my time and focus.

If you can access the internet, choose the topics, you want to learn and find relevant empowering information.
Education opens doors and provides the foundation for your future success. Get inspired, dream big and explore various fields.

Get Inspired

“A feminist leader will recognize that all women and all men deserve equal opportunities to pursue fulfilling careers and lives, and put structures in place to help others live up to their potential and drive meaningful change,”

Odunayo Eweniyi, Young enterpreneur

Meet Damilola Odufuwa and Odunayo Eweniyi. Very young Nigerian ladies, successful entrepreneurs, and leaders from Nigeria. Both were named in the Bloomberg 50 as two young women who changed global business in 2020.

Building Strong Networks

Creating a strong support network is essential for personal and professional growth. Connect with other black African women in your community, workplace, or online platforms. Share experiences, advice, and resources. Together, we can uplift each other and amplify our voices.

Take Action

You can join online communities, attend networking events, or start a small group.

I’m in a small group with two other people. We try to catch up as much as we can. I recall feeling very depressed after losing my job. Our catch-up session morphed into a mini-coaching session, which helped me regain my confidence. I landed an excellent job shortly after our chat and can directly attribute my success to our catch-up. Thank you, T, and thank you, D.

Take on Leadership Opportunities

African women have immense potential as leaders. We take on informal leadership positions all the time without realising it.
How many people rely on you right now? More than you first thought. You may not consider yourself a leader, but you are in many leading roles.

It is time to make your leadership role official. You are doing the work, so get paid for it. Take leadership roles at work and in organisations like your church or charitable organisations.

This isn’t about “bigging up” one’s self. Instead, it is to help shatter glass ceilings for yourself and those coming after you. Taking leadership opportunities makes you an advocate for diversity and inclusion in workplaces, ensuring that black African women are given equal opportunities to lead and thrive.

Take Action

Discover the remarkable stories of 10 African women leaders who are breaking barriers and making a difference. Click here to be inspired by their extraordinary journeys of leadership and empowerment.

Develop Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation skills play a significant role in closing the wage gap. As African women, we need to get good at negotiation skills, whether it’s during salary discussions, promotions, or contract negotiations. Negotiation skills and worth determination are closely correlated.

Effective negotiation comes naturally to some but to others like me, it can be challenging. I used to be so afraid to ask for promotions or a raise. The fear of asking made me question my worth. But fear not. There are ways to improve your negotiation skills. And taking time to hone your negotiation skills will deliver the following:

• Keeps you aware of your strengths, which will benefit your professional and personal life.
• Enables you to convincingly communicate your abilities, accomplishments, and why you should be paid fairly.
• Makes it easier for your employers to recognise the unique contributions you make.
• Having solid evidence to present will boost your negotiating stance.
• Helps you prepare for objections, address concerns, and find win-win solutions.
• Preparing for a negotiation typically results in personal development. And it’s easy to see why. You will most likely fill any knowledge gaps discovered during your prep time.

Take Action

Mastering the art of negotiation takes practice, preparation, and confidence. But you’ve got this. You can learn to negotiate effectively by taking free negotiation courses.

Finally, you can seek guidance from someone you know to be an effective negotiator.

Financial Literacy

Financial independence is empowering. And this is why every African woman should have the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. But fear not, I’ve got you and have written extensively on budgeting, saving and all those good and juicy things we should be doing with our coins. We need to be budgeting, saving, investing, and building wealth. Financial literacy will help break the cycle of economic inequality and dependency.

Take Action

• Read my blog “How do you start managing your money?“
• Watch my video on Money Makeovers

Mentorship and Sponsorship

Mentorship and sponsorship programs are powerful tools for career advancement. So, seek mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout your journey. Good sponsors can advocate for your professional growth and open doors to new opportunities.

Mentors are helpful when unbiased and experienced advice is required. And because I value mentorship a lot, I got two mentors recently. And because I needed a coach for accounting career development and another for general life coaching.

Take Action

• Connect with experienced professionals you know and that have the skills you desire.
• Tap into your existing professional networks. It could be through your work or Alumni.
• Explore mentorship programs offered by professional organisations, universities, or community groups.
• Use online platforms to connect mentees with mentors, such as LinkedIn, SCORE or other mentoring websites.

Overcoming Bias and Stereotypes

Addressing biases and stereotypes is crucial for closing the wage gap. We must be out challenging stereotypes and sharing our stories. Don’t be afraid to tut your own horn. Shouting your achievement from the rooftop may be uncomfortable because of how many of us were raised. However, keep in mind that you are living in a different society and at a different period. Highlighting your accomplishments is a critical step towards advancement.

Take Action

• Read up on what diversity and inclusion at work should look like.
• Join workshops or conversations organised by your employer, local community, or online that focus on diversity.
• Promote open conversations on your social media platforms.

Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and personal life is essential for overall well-being. Black African women don’t do well here, and there is plenty of room for improvement. Again many of us don’t prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and create a healthy work-life balance because we were raised to be servants.
Growing up, we were not only expected to be dutiful wives who met their husband’s demands but also to suffer through it all.

It all starts in the Home.

“Ile oko, ile eko,” a classic Yoruba proverb, translates to “your marriage is a place of learning.” I agree with this statement. Marriage is an eye-opener and teaches many lessons, but why does this statement only apply to women? Why don’t we teach our men that marriage is a chance to learn?

Unsurprisingly, many African men enter marriage believing they have nothing to learn, whilst the woman believes she has everything to learn.
It is unfortunate to see African women adopt the same mindset in the workplace.

Those scales are unbalanced, and we have to re-balance and unlearn.
We are not servants at home or at work. It is past time to acknowledge this fact and make necessary adjustments.
Your needs and self-care are essential. And it is not selfish; it is vital for your long-term success.

Pamper Time

• Practice meditation, deep breathing, or journaling daily. These exercises relieve stress, boost self-awareness, and improve emotional well-being.
• Spend time in nature to heal. Walk, sit at a park, or enjoy nature. Nature helps restore calm.
• Engage in creative expressions. Creative activities like writing, drawing, dancing, or playing an instrument can be therapeutic and powerful.
• Get enough rest and quality sleep. Establish a bedtime routine, a comfortable environment, and predictable sleep habits. Quality sleep improves mental and physical health.
• Surround yourself with positive people. This way, you hang out with people who understand you. Positive social contacts can boost self-care and belonging.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership

Ladies, let’s embrace the power of entrepreneurship and business ownership! As black African women, we have unique perspectives and talents that can fuel successful ventures. Let’s turn our passions into thriving businesses, create opportunities for ourselves, and inspire others. We can break barriers and build a future of economic independence and empowerment with determination and support.

Take Action

Here are three online free workshops on starting a business.

• SBA “How to Start a Business: A Step-by-Step Guide”: An SBA online workshop covers business startup basics. It offers business strategy, market research, legal issues, and funding advice. (USA)
• Enterprise Nation: This platform promotes small enterprises with free and paid tools. They hold webinars, workshops, and business, marketing, sales, and finance events. (UK)

Click here for a full list of organisations that offer free resources for aspiring business owners like you.

Advocacy and Policy Change

Last but not least, advocate for policy changes that address the wage gap and promote equality in the workforce. Support initiatives that prioritise diversity, inclusion, and fair compensation. Encourage black African women to use their voices and engage in advocacy efforts. Do the following to become a better advocate.

Take Action

• Educate yourself and stay informed.
• Speak up through social media, blog posts, and community discussions.
• Support relevant organisations through donations and volunteering.
• Engage with decision-makers through letters, emails, and public meetings.
• Join advocacy groups to amplify your voice.
• Promote inclusive practices in workplaces and recognise supportive companies.
• Participate in community initiatives and events.
• Support legislative efforts through awareness, petitions, and engagement.

Final Thoughts

Empowering black African women in the workforce and closing the wage gap requires collective effort. Let’s support each other, build strong networks, and strive for progress. By implementing these practical strategies, we can create a future where black African women thrive, succeed, and inspire future generations.

Together, we can make a difference!

Remember, you are powerful, resilient, and deserving of every opportunity that comes your way. Keep shining, my fellow black African queens!

Stay empowered,

Joyce