Why Are Women’s Expenses the First to Be Cut During Financial Crises? Advocate Raises a Hard-Hitting Question

In countless households, the moment financial restraint is discussed, a familiar pattern emerges—the first cuts are made to women’s expenses. Be it healthcare, clothing, personal needs, or even nutrition, women are often asked to “adjust” before anyone else. This deep-rooted mindset was recently questioned by Advocate Vandana during entrepreneur Raj Shamani’s popular podcast, sparking a wider debate on gender bias in family finances.

Advocate Vandana pointedly asked why, whenever a household faces economic stress or crisis, women are expected to make the earliest and biggest sacrifices. “Why are women always the last ones at the table?” she questioned. “When something needs to be eliminated, it is always women’s expenses that are considered dispensable first.”

“You Should Have Saved More” — A Familiar Accusation

Speaking on the podcast, Advocate Vandana highlighted how women are routinely blamed during financial hardship. They are told statements like, “You were earning too, what did you do with your money?” or “You should have saved knowing the family was under pressure.” This narrative, she argued, ignores the reality that women often spend primarily on family needs, not personal indulgence.

Her remarks resonated with many listeners, who shared similar experiences of mothers and wives being asked to give up their essentials in the name of household stability.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

The discussion triggered intense debate on social media. While many users agreed that women’s needs are systematically undervalued, others argued that men too sacrifice silently. Some commenters pointed out that fathers often spend the least on themselves while working tirelessly for their families, a sacrifice that often goes unnoticed.

Yet, the core question remained—why are women’s needs so easily categorized as “non-essential”?

Expert Opinion: A Societal Bias at Play

Speaking to Navbharat Times.com, Dr. Archana Sharma, Senior Consultant Psychologist at Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, explained that this trend reflects a long-standing societal bias.

“Even today, women’s needs are seen as secondary,” she said. “During financial crises, women postpone medical treatment, compromise on nutrition, clothing, rest, and personal care so that children and elderly family members do not suffer.”

According to Dr. Sharma, women often earn less or are excluded from major financial decision-making, which further weakens their position during times of crisis. “This has a direct and lasting impact on women’s mental and physical health,” she warned.

Health Consequences That Can’t Be Ignored

Dr. Sharma emphasized that chronic neglect of women’s needs can lead to serious long-term health issues. Delayed medical care, poor nutrition, and constant stress may result in lifestyle diseases, mental health disorders, and weakened immunity.

“The belief that ‘women can endure everything’ slowly destroys their well-being,” she added.

Women’s Health Is Family Health

Concluding her remarks, Dr. Sharma stressed a crucial truth often overlooked in Indian households:
“A woman’s health is directly linked to the health of the entire family. Ignoring her needs during financial hardship is not saving money—it is risking the future.”

She asserted that spending on women’s health, dignity, and self-respect should never be seen as unnecessary expenditure. “It is an investment in the family’s stability and society’s progress,” she said.

As the debate continues, Advocate Vandana’s question forces society to reflect: Is financial sacrifice truly shared equally, or does it still rest disproportionately on women’s shoulders?